Vectorborne Diseases

Abstract

Abstract Vectorborne diseases result from infections with pathogens that have intricate transmission cycles in which pathogens are transmitted between humans or other vertebrate hosts by arthropod vectors. These cycles are strongly affected by climate and other environmental conditions. Climate effects on vectorborne diseases are complex. Warming temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events have resulted in the emergence or reemergence of many vectors and vectorborne diseases in recent decades. Warming temperatures enable earlier and longer seasons of annual vector activity and have enabled the expansion of important tick and mosquito vectors into temperate latitudes. Effects of climate change have coincided with other major anthropogenic changes, such as urbanization and globalized travel and trade, which increase contact between humans and vectors and enable long-range vector and pathogen movement into new areas. Prevention of vectorborne diseases relies on early detection of emerging threats through surveillance and timely data-sharing.