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Brazil climate change drives expansion of infectious diseases
A study by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) indicates that climate change is significantly expanding the transmission of infectious diseases in Brazil. Research shows that the number of Brazilian microregions experiencing epidemic levels of dengue rose from 110 in 2006 to 292 in 2024, covering approximately 54% of the country.
Thermal anomalies—significant deviations from habitual temperatures—have been identified as the primary climatic indicator for long-term increases in dengue incidence. Warming temperatures have dismantled natural climatic barriers, allowing the Aedes aegypti mosquito to thrive in previously cooler regions like Rio Grande do Sul. In 2024, Rio Grande do Sul recorded nearly 210,000 confirmed dengue infections and 281 deaths, while Bahia reported approximately 163,000 cases and 188 deaths.
Beyond dengue, climate-driven changes are impacting other diseases. Oropouche fever, once largely restricted to the Amazon, spread to 23 states last year. Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods in Rio Grande do Sul have increased the risk of leptospirosis and gastrointestinal infections due to contaminated water supplies. Experts warn that the expansion of these transmission areas may be irreversible once the virus and vector are established.
Entities
Aedes aegypti · Bahia · Balneário Camboriú · Brazil · Celso Granato · Fundação Oswaldo Cruz · Ministry of Health · Oswaldo Cruz Foundation · Rio Grande do Sul
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 13 SOURCES] Rio Grande do Sul recorded nearly 210,000 confirmed dengue infections and 281 deaths in 2024. www.acessa.com · bsbtimes.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · radiosampaio.com.br · www.prensa-latina.cu · +8 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Oropouche fever caused more than 12,000 infections in 23 states last year. noticias.uol.com.br · www.prensa-latina.cu · regiaonoroeste.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Wolbachia bacterium prevents the development of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and urban yellow fever viruses in mosquitoes. www.ocafezinho.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] Thermal anomalies are the best climatic indicator for long-term dengue incidence increases. www.acessa.com · bsbtimes.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · radiosampaio.com.br · saobentoemfoco.com.br · +8 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] Bahia recorded approximately 163,000 dengue cases and 188 deaths in 2024. www.acessa.com · bsbtimes.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · radiosampaio.com.br · www.prensa-latina.cu · +7 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Balneário Camboriú implemented the Wolbachia method to reduce dengue cases. www.ocafezinho.com
- [DISPUTED] The number of Brazilian microregions with epidemic dengue levels rose from 110 to 292 between 2006 and 2024. www.acessa.com · bsbtimes.com.br · esportenaredemt.com.br · fatopaulista.com.br · radiosampaio.com.br · +10 more
- [DISPUTED] Balneário Camboriú dengue cases fell from 7,106 in 2024 to 12 in 2026. www.ocafezinho.com