Dear Editor,

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a driver of infectious disease outbreaks. Rising temperature and humidity create optimal conditions for pathogenic microorganisms and their vectors, shifting disease patterns worldwide.1,2 In developing countries like India, this phenomenon is increasingly frequent in the monsoon season, worsening the seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases such as leptospirosis, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.3,4

Tropical regions of industrialized countries are also not being spared. The northern area of Queensland, Australia, recently experienced exceptionally severe flooding. As of March 2025, 25 deaths from melioidosis were reported.5 The causative organism, Burkholderia pseudomallei, thrives in soil and contaminates flood waters, and spreads via inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact with contaminated water and soil. It can cause pneumonia, sepsis, and skin ulcers.6

Clearly, climate change is no longer just an environmental concern—it is a public health crisis, especially in the tropics. A multidisciplinary approach is required, involving healthcare professionals, environmental scientists, epidemiologists, and policy makers. The focus should be on environmental surveillance, such as strengthening early warning systems and robust public health infrastructure. Equally important are public awareness campaigns to help people build adaptability against emerging infectious diseases.

references

1. 1. Kaestli M, Grist EP, Ward L, Hill A, Mayo M, Currie BJ. The association of melioidosis with climatic factors in Darwin, Australia: a 23-year time-series analysis. J Infect 2016 Jun;72(6):687-697.
2. 2. Flahault A, de Castaneda RR, Bolon I. Climate change and infectious diseases. Public Health Rev 2016 Oct;37:21.
3. 3. Sahai S, Das NK, Chate SS, Kulkarni SS. Spike in dengue infections across Maharashtra during 2024. Int J Curr Res Rev 2024 Nov;16(21):1-2.
4. 4. Saatchi M, Khankeh HR, Shojafard J, Barzanji A, Ranjbar M, Nazari N, et al. Communicable diseases outbreaks after natural disasters: a systematic scoping review for incidence, risk factors and recommendations. Prog Disaster Sci 2024;23:100334.
5. 5. Nothling L, Loney G. North Queensland records five more melioidosis deaths as rain continues. 2025 [cited 2025 March 26]. Available from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-25/five-more-melioidosis-deaths-in-north-queensland-rain/105093558.
6. 6. Cleveland Clinic. Melioidosis. [cited 2025 March 26]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24051-melioidosis.