While the risk of malaria remains low, a new report highlights danger of Leishmaniasis disease, caused by a species of sandfly already present in Malta
James Debono
Climate change could result in an increase in insect-borne diseases like Leishmaniasis and the Mediterranean Spotted Fever, a report on the health effects of climate change in Malta issued by the Environmental Health Directorate and the WHO Regional Office shows.
But the risk of the re-introduction of malaria and dengue fever remains low, according to the report, despite rising global temperatures.
The report recommends the stepping up of the surveillance of insect populations which transmit these diseases. One of the diseases likely to increase because of increased temperatures is Leishmaniasis, which is transmitted by the bite of a species of sand fly which is already present in Malta.
The most common symptom of the disease is sore at the bite site, which heals after a few months but leaves an unpleasant looking scar. In its more severe form the symptoms include fever, damage to the spleen and liver, and anaemia.
The report warns that increasing temperatures would result in prolonged activity of the insect throughout the year, which could result in increased transmission of the disease in Malta.
Another disease which could increase is the Mediterranean Spotted Fever, which is transmitted by the dog tick and is already present locally. The report warns that a rise in temperature could increase tick populations and prolong their activity.
The disease manifests abruptly with chills, high fevers, muscular and articular pains, severe headaches, accompanied by a rash.
But the risk of a reintroduction of malaria, a disease which was endemic in Malta until the 1940s, remains low. In fact increased aridity in the July to September period could actually decrease the sites for larval breeding of the mosquito Anopholes Macculippenis, which is no longer present in Malta.
But the report warns that climate change may well increase migration from African countries, and this could increase the incidence of the disease in Malta.
Another possible threat is posed by the Culex Pipiens mosquitoes which transmit the West Nile Fever – which can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
A recent investigation has revealed abundant populations of this type of mosquito in the Ghadira bird reserve, which is close to the Ghadira beach. But so far no cases of this disease have ever been documented.
Studies link West Nile Fever epidemic to early summer heat waves and higher minimum summer temperatures, two conditions which are already common in Malta and likely to increase with climate change.
Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below. Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.
Search:
MALTATODAY
BUSINESSTODAY
Download MaltaToday Sunday issue front page in pdf file format
