July 4 is around the corner, and for many Americans that means summer celebrations full of fireworks and barbecues. Unfortunately as summer heats up, so does mosquito season. It’s no secret that these insects love hot and humid conditions, but did you know that some mosquitos carry a virus called dengue? Dengue, sometimes called Dengue Fever, was once confined to the tropical regions but in recent years cases have spiked in the US. The rate of dengue infections nearly doubled from the year 2023 to 2024. With peak mosquito season fast approaching, experts worry that this upward trend will continue.
Climate change has allowed more mosquitos to thrive in more northern regions like the US, fueling the surge of infections, and studies predict mosquitos may continue to expand their habitats northward. Globally, dengue has surged over the last half-decade as well. In addition to climate changes, the lack of an effective vaccine and the slashing of federal research budgets may exacerbate the growing health threat.
Full Story: KFF, Yale Environment 360
