West Nile Virus in a changing climate: epidemiology, pathology, advances in diagnosis and treatment, vaccine designing and control strategies, emerging public health challenges – a comprehensive review
2025

West Nile Virus and Climate Change: A Comprehensive Review

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): P. Singh, M. Khatib, S. Ballal, M. Kaur, D. Nathiya, S. Sharma, G. V. Siva Prasad, A. Sinha, A. M. Gaidhane, P. Mohapatra, A. Varma, S. Lakhanpal, M. Shabil, G. Bushi, S. Sanjit, H. Abu Serhan

Primary Institution: Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India

Hypothesis

How does climate change affect the epidemiology and management of West Nile Virus?

Conclusion

The review highlights the need for ongoing research and adaptive public health strategies to manage the challenges posed by West Nile Virus in the context of climate change.

Supporting Evidence

  • West Nile Virus has expanded its geographic range, particularly into temperate regions of Europe and North America.
  • Climate changes such as milder winters and longer warm seasons increase mosquito activity and enable year-round transmission.
  • Advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies have improved understanding of WNV's replication and pathogenesis.
  • Vector control strategies are crucial, with innovations like genetically modified mosquitoes showing promise.
  • Public health strategies must adapt to the changing dynamics of WNV transmission due to environmental factors.

Takeaway

West Nile Virus is spreading more due to climate change, which makes it important to find better ways to control it and develop vaccines.

Methodology

This review synthesizes recent data on West Nile Virus epidemiology, molecular advancements, and public health implications.

Limitations

The review does not provide new experimental data but synthesizes existing literature.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/22221751.2024.2437244

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