Climate change may increase dengue cases in Kerala by 20% by 2040, study warns

A study has warned that climate change could increase dengue cases in Kerala by approximately 20 per cent by 2040. Researchers identified rainfall, humidity and El Niño-Southern Oscillation as the primary drivers of dengue transmission in the state.

The study found that changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and relative humidity during the active and break phases of the monsoon season can influence localised mosquito breeding patterns and dengue risk. These climatic factors play a significant role in determining the intensity of dengue transmission across different regions of Kerala.