Heat summary - Chapter 8: climate and vector-borne diseases
This page summarises Chapter 8 of the Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) report with a focus on the impact of heat on climate and vector-borne diseases. This is part of the science and stats section for the hazard: heat.
Applies to England
CCHS navigation menu:
CCHS homepage
Topic: climate-related hazards
Hazard: all climate-related hazards, heat
Part of: heat summary - full HECC report
Key resources for HECC Chapter 8:
- Heat summary - Chapter 8: climate and vector-borne diseases
- Chapter 8 full report (pdf)
Heat summary of Chapter 8
Vector-borne diseases are spread by parasites, viruses and bacteria which are transmitted to humans and animals by blood-feeding creatures including mosquitos, ticks and fleas.
Warmer temperatures are likely to enable the establishment of new disease vectors, which can transmit diseases that were previously rare or non-existent in the UK. This includes potential increases in diseases like West Nile virus, malaria and dengue, depending on how the climate continues to change.
Climate influences vector presence, distribution and seasonality. The warmer temperatures seen under a changing climate are causing an expansion of the geographical range and seasonal duration of vectors.
Specific risks of a warmer climate include:
- increased distribution of tick species already present in the UK including lxodes Ricinus which transmits Lyme disease
- introduction of new species, including Aedes albopictus, a type of mosquito which can transmit several viruses including dengue, chikungunya and Zika
- The area around London is already suitable for the survival of this mosquito and it is expected that London could become suitable for endemic dengue transmission by the 2060s
- Increased spread of Culex mosquitoes, which are already present in the Southeast of the UK and which carry West Nile virus (currently the virus is not present in the UK)
Early and surveillance of these new vectors is critical because once a non-native vector species is established, it is difficult to stop it from spreading.
Change may be required to adapt to these new risks, such as:
- shifts in building design, such as screens on doors and windows
- shift in behaviour to avoid bites
- increased awareness among health services