The evolution of the major vector-borne diseases in Romania: consequences of climate changes

Abstract

Vector-borne pathogens impact both humans and animals; once established in a specific region, vector-borne diseases are considerably more challenging to control, particularly when wild animals serve as the natural reservoir. Prevention and control of vector-borne diseases are significantly affected by global warming. Therefore, rising temperatures will lead to a higher incidence of vector-borne diseases as well as the distribution of vectors. The processed data were taken from the National Institute of Public Health - National Centre for Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Control of, as well as from the national literature. Therefore, 5 diseases of medical importance were introduced into the study. According to INSP-CNSCBT data, from 2009 to 2023, the most confirmed cases were for: Lyme Disease – 5.654, West Nile Encephalitis - 827, Malaria - 369, Dengue Fever - 80 and Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) - 22. West Nile encephalitis entered into the national surveillance program in 1997. However, the highest prevalence was reported in 2018, when 277 cases of West Nile encephalitis were confirmed in humans in Romania. Cases of West Nile Encephalitis, as well as those of Dengue Fever, were increasing during 2018-2019, followed by a decrease, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessing the risk of the most significant vector-borne diseases should be a priority, because climate is a crucial factor in their spread. Understanding the dynamics of the vector-borne diseases and preventing epidemics in the upcoming years require the support of local multidisciplinary research programs for integrated human, animal, and vector epidemiologic surveillance.