Climate change promotes the spread of mosquito and tick-borne viruses

Now a day because of global warming climate is changing day by day and that leads to spreading of diseases bearing insects to ever-wider parts of the world. As a result of which humans are exposed to many deadliest viral infections such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika, West Nile fever, Yellow fever and Tick-borne encephalitis. For many of these diseases, there are as yet no specific antiviral agents or vaccines. Global warming has allowed mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-bearing insects to proliferate, adapt to changing environment, migrate and spread to new niche areas that have become warmer.

The growing spread of arboviruses

Aedes mosquitoes spread several dangerous arboviruses, including Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, West Nile and Yellow fever viruses. These mosquitoes grow in urban settings due to the lack of natural predators and the availability of food and habitats in which to procreate. They have recently become established in some European countries and the Americas, because of international travel and trade. Their spreading cause problem for public health. These viruses are difficult to eradicate as their larvae can survive in extreme condition for months, even in suboptimal humidity and temperature conditions.

The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) has been found in several countries throughout the world. One of the most recently reported vectors for this virus is the Dermacentor reticulatus tick species which is spreading rapidly throughout Europe. It has a high reproduction rate, cold resistant and can live underwater for months. Humans can also be infected by tick bite by taking unpasteurised dairy products that have come from infected animals. Vaccine is available against TBEV.

                            

Zika virus - a serious concern for Europe

Zika virus can cause neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and the development of microcephaly (abnormally small head) in foetuses. This type of syndromes is difficult to diagnose and there is no cure or vaccine. The spreading of this virus is a serious concern given the growing presence of its main vector that is the mosquito Aedes albopictus. More than 70 territories in world have confirmed autochthonous (indigenous) cases of ZIKV.

Mosquito control strategies

There are several techniques that have been used to control the breeding of mosquitoes by including insecticides, mosquito traps, genetic modification, land reclamation and habitat surveillance. Currently, the most safest, readily available and effective methods for controlling spreading of mosquitoes are mosquito traps (for relatively small areas) and nets, and the reduction of potential breeding sites (standing water).

The researchers found many advanced methods to control population of mosquito; they also warn that it would be unwise to remove mosquitoes completely from the ecosystem.

 Since the environmental condition is gradually getting disturbed day by day, the spreading of infections is also progressing. Bacterial Diseases 2018 is a medium for discussing on this latest topic on how to control the spreading of these infections by different agents. Researchers, Scientists can represent their thought, views on decreasing the spreading of these type of infectious diseases.