Abstract

For over two decades, researchers have delved into understanding the consequences of observed and anticipated shifts in weather and climate on the extent and nature of health outcomes that are sensitive to climate change. Warmer temperatures, mild winters, and early springs are providing mosquitoes and ticks with extended periods for reproduction, leading to the expansion of their habitats across the United States. This phenomenon is contributing to the increased prevalence of diseases such as Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Valley fever. Between 2004 and 2018, a notable surge in infectious diseases has been observed, with these illnesses spreading to new regions of the United States. The reported cases of illnesses resulting from mosquito, tick, and flea bites more than doubled during this period, surpassing 760,000 reported cases in the United States. During this period, nine new pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks were identified or introduced into the United States. This paper has three primary objectives. Firstly, it seeks to conceptualize the potential direct and indirect health impacts of climate change. Additionally, it offers an overview of factors that amplify the health effects associated with climate change. Secondly, the paper compiles and reviews existing literature concerning the correlation between infectious diseases and climate change. It delves into potential strategies for the eradication of these diseases by the year 2030. Lastly, the paper explores the impact of climate change on the dissemination of the West Nile virus outbreak in the United States in 1999. This paper yields two significant findings. Firstly, it demonstrates that climate change is a causal factor for various diseases and intensifies their impact. Secondly, it underscores the most adverse health consequences related to the increased spread of infectious diseases. Specifically, the occurrence of hot summers is identified as a precursor to the outbreak of West Nile virus disease in the United States, leading to widespread illnesses and fatalities across the nation.