By Ana Espino | Published on June 17, 2026 | 4 min read
Dengue, Zika, chikungunya, Nipah virus, Ebola, and
hantaviruses: vector-borne and animal reservoir-derived RNA viruses represent a
growing threat to global health. Over recent decades, several of these
infectious agents have undergone rapid geographic expansion, triggering
outbreaks that are often difficult to predict. Increased international travel,
accelerated urbanization, and ecosystem disruption have facilitated their
spread and created more opportunities for transmission to humans.
Among the most concerning drivers is climate change. Rising
temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events
directly influence the distribution of mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors
responsible for many infectious diseases. To better understand these mechanisms
and identify the most promising strategies for mitigating future risks,
researchers conducted a comprehensive review of current knowledge on the major
emerging and re-emerging zoonotic RNA viruses.
Also
read : Zika: A Latent Threat or a Past Danger?
When Climate Favors Viral Transmission
The authors analyzed available evidence on several viral
families responsible for major human diseases, including flaviviruses (dengue,
Zika, yellow fever), alphaviruses (chikungunya), hantaviruses, Ebola virus,
Nipah virus, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.
The review demonstrates that climate-related changes create
favorable conditions for the expansion of many disease vectors. Rising
temperatures accelerate mosquito development and shorten the time required for
viral replication within the vector. At the same time, changes in rainfall
patterns and increasing urbanization contribute to the emergence of new
habitats that support vector proliferation.
The authors also emphasize that zoonotic viruses often
emerge at the interface between human, animal, and environmental populations.
Deforestation, agricultural expansion, and habitat fragmentation increase
contact between humans and animal reservoirs, thereby facilitating
cross-species transmission events.
Also
read : Chikungunya: the invisible epidemic
The analysis further highlights the complexity of the
pathogenic mechanisms associated with these viruses. Some are highly effective
at evading host immune defenses, while others trigger excessive inflammatory
responses responsible for severe disease. Interactions between the virus, its
vector, and its host play a critical role in determining both transmission
dynamics and disease severity.
Finally, the researchers underscore the growing potential of
artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to enhance
epidemiological surveillance. These technologies can integrate climatic,
environmental, and health-related data to identify high-risk areas and predict
future outbreaks more effectively and at an earlier stage.
Also
read : West Nile: the fever is rising!
Toward a More Integrated Global Surveillance System?
This review confirms that the emergence of zoonotic viruses
can no longer be studied independently of ongoing environmental
transformations. Climate change, human activities, and ecological dynamics
collectively contribute to reshaping infectious disease risks on a global
scale.
However, the authors note that predicting outbreaks remains
highly challenging. Interactions between climatic, biological, and
socioeconomic factors vary considerably depending on the region and the
pathogen involved. In addition, many parts of the world still lack sufficiently
robust surveillance systems to rapidly detect emerging viral threats.
Despite these limitations, the findings support the
development of integrated “One Health” approaches that bring together human
health, animal health, and environmental health. Strengthening vector
surveillance, developing new vaccination strategies, and expanding the use of
artificial intelligence could help improve preparedness and anticipation of
future infectious threats in the context of global climate change.
Also read : Andes Hantavirus: The Next Virus to Watch Closely?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions.
