El Nino's return sparks concerns of deadly virus outbreaks: WHO

The reappearance of El Nino after nearly four years is causing alarm as it brings the potential for extreme weather, economic hardships, and agricultural disruptions worldwide. Adding to these concerns is the resurgence of tropical diseases and deadly viruses, said the World Health Organization (WHO).

During a recent press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the risk of increased transmission of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya due to the El Nino weather phenomenon. These diseases are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, which thrive in the warmer conditions associated with El Nino.

Several regions, ranging from South America to Asia, are already grappling with surges in tropical diseases. Peru, for instance, has declared a state of emergency due to its most severe dengue outbreak on record. So far this year, approximately 150,000 suspected cases have been reported, straining the country's healthcare system.

Thailand also has experienced its highest number of dengue cases in three years, with local health authorities reporting 19,503 cases from the beginning of 2023 through the first week of June. Malaysia and Cambodia are also witnessing an increase in cases. Singapore authorities have already issued warnings earlier this year about the potential for a surge in cases between June and October.

In addition to dengue, other tropical diseases are also taking a toll in different parts of the world. Paraguay has reported a minimum of 40 deaths due to an ongoing chikungunya outbreak that began last year, as stated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.