The impact of dengue is increasing as a result of climate change
According to the World Bank, Climate change increases the risk of dengue, respiratory disorders, and waterborne infections in Dhaka and Chittagong. It even harms city inhabitants’ mental health. In a climate change report, the organization reviewed the findings of the 2019 dengue epidemic.
According to the report, the rainfall, temperature, and humidity in Dhaka that year were all excellent for breeding dengue mosquitoes. This time also the dengue outbreak has been manifested as a result of adverse effects of climate.
The World Bank surveyed 15,383 people from 3,610 families in Dhaka and Chittagong and said that climate change affects people’s mental health and various diseases.
The up-down in temperature, humidity, and rainfall have a multidimensional effect on waterborne diseases, respiratory diseases, and dengue. For instance, if the temperature and humidity rise, the number of patients who suffer from shortness of breath also rises.
The report further states that if the temperature rises by 1 degree, the incidence of shortness of breath increases by 5.7%. Moreover, a 1% increase in humidity increases the risk of shortness of breath by 1.5%. Nevertheless, as the temperature rises, waterborne diseases and diseases like dengue decrease.
Analyzing the dengue situation in 2019, the World Bank said 115 mm of rain as recorded in Dhaka in February. It has never rained so much since 1976. Temperatures in March-July were between 28-34 degrees Celsius, and the humidity was between 60-80%. All of these are excellent for breeding dengue mosquitoes.
The report revealed that “Climate change is not only exacerbating storms, floods, and droughts, but it is also depressing people. The depression rate among the people of Dhaka and Chittagong is 16% higher than the national average. The prevalence of anxiety is 31%. Older people and women aged 26-40 are more likely to be affected by anxiety.”
The World Bank report also stated that in the 44 years from 1976 to 2019, the temperature has risen by 0.5%. By 2050, Bangladesh’s temperature could rise by 1.4 degrees. And the annual rainfall may increase to 74 mm.
