Belgian Journal of Paediatrics
Infectious Diseases Threats in a Changing Climate
Vol. 27 No. 4 (2025), Theme issue articles
Vol. 27 No. 4 (2025)

Infectious Diseases Threats in a Changing Climate

Theme issue articles
Published 2025-12-30
Marek Wojciechowski
University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Edegem, Belgium
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4617-4378
Tine Boiy
University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Edegem, Belgium
Nele Alders
nstitute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics, Antwerp, Belgium
Koen Vanden Driessche
A.University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Department of General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Edegem, Belgium, B.Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, C. South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6401-8742
Erika Vlieghe
A.University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Department of General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Edegem, Belgium, B. University of Antwerp, Global Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
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Keywords

Climate Change
Communicable Diseases Emerging
Waterborne Diseases
Foodborne Diseases
Vector-borne Diseases
Europe

Categories

How to Cite

Wojciechowski, M., Boiy, T., Alders, N., Vanden Driessche, K., & Vlieghe, E. (2025). Infectious Diseases Threats in a Changing Climate. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 27(4), 299–306. Retrieved from https://belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/448
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Abstract

Background: Factors related to human activity, such as international travel, globalisation, trade, urbanisation and the disruption of ecosystems and biodiversity, have a significant impact on the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Climate change is an additional factor which often amplifies this impact. It is estimated that climate change has exacerbated over half of all infectious diseases worldwide, contributing to 60–80% of emerging infectious diseases.

Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to provide a concise overview of infectious disease threats linked to climate change, with a focus on Europe.

Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the keywords 'climate change', 'infectious diseases' and 'Europe', with results limited to publications from the last 5 years. Additional information was obtained from the websites of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority, the World Health Organization, the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and Google Scholar.

Results: The eco-epidemiology of existing and emerging infectious diseases in Europe is impacted by global warming, changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events resulting from climate change, either directly or indirectly. This article reviews the risk of a new pandemic and of waterborne, foodborne, vectorborne diseases.

Conclusion: The eco-epidemiology of infectious diseases is complex and influenced by various factors, including climate change. A coordinated, multisectoral approach is required from a One Health perspective to ensure proactive preparedness. 

 

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