Latest Developments in Global Climate Change - Issue 94

Latest developments in global climate change

Eliza Chan Man-yee

The number of dengue fever cases worldwide has significantly increased in recent years. According to data from the World Health Organization, there were approximately 500,000 cases worldwide in 2000, which surged to over 6.5 million cases by 2023. In the first four months of 2024 alone, there were over 7.6 million cases, over 16,000 of which were severe cases, and the death toll exceeded 3,000.

Dengue fever is transmitted through mosquito bites. Human-caused climate change leads to rising temperatures, which help mosquitoes expand their ranges, and prolong the season of dengue fever transmission, making it easier for dengue fever to spread.

Aedes albopictus, a mosquito which can transmit dengue fever.