Climate Change Report Links Increased Vector-Borne Diseases to Durham Region
The Durham Region Health Department has released a report stating that climate change is expected to increase the spread and incidence of vector-borne diseases among residents of Durham Region and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, as well as other Indigenous Peoples in the area. The report, titled "Assessing the Impact of Vector-borne Disease," explores current and future health impacts related to these diseases in the local community.
According to the Health Department, the number of cases of diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus (WNV) has increased in Durham Region. The report notes that the rise in Lyme disease cases is outpacing the provincial average, and the rate of WNV has also gone up over time. The Health Department emphasizes that increased awareness and preparedness are especially important for groups at higher risk, including older adults, infants, young children, pregnant individuals, Indigenous Peoples, people with chronic illness or weakened immune systems, and those who lack access to protections such as shelter.
The report attributes the increased presence of disease-carrying insects like black-legged ticks and mosquitoes to a warming climate. In addition to Lyme disease and WNV, the Health Department states that climate change could lead to more cases of other tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis, Powassan virus disease, and babesiosis, as well as mosquito-borne diseases like eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
Dr. Robert Kyle, Medical Officer of Health for Durham Region, stated that while many cases of these diseases are mild, serious health consequences are possible. Dr. Kyle noted that older adults, infants, young children, pregnant individuals, Indigenous Peoples, and people with chronic illness or weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
The Health Department reports that most residents are not taking protective measures against these diseases. Survey data shows that more than 90 percent of Durham Region residents reported they do not use insect repellent. Among Lyme disease cases in the region between 2019 and 2023, 80 percent of people infected had spent time in wooded or grassy areas, but most did not check for ticks, wear protective clothing, or use insect repellent.
Brenda Kwan, Manager of Health Protection with the Health Department, stated that most residents are not taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito and tick bites despite risks in the area. The report concludes that preventive actions and community engagement may help reduce exposure, especially for outdoor workers and First Nations Peoples who are engaged in traditional harvesting, gathering, and fishing activities.
The report is available at durham.ca/ClimateAndHealth.