The El Niño climate phenomenon: a threat to global health
The United Nations (UN) recently issued an alert regarding the El Niño climate phenomenon. According to experts, this meteorological event poses a significant threat to global public health in the coming months.
El Niño is characterized by a warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean. This change leads to major climatic consequences, notably episodes of exceptional rainfall and flooding in certain regions of the globe, while other areas experience severe droughts.
These extreme weather conditions facilitate the spread of numerous diseases. Flooding, in particular, promotes the development of infections transmitted by water or by insects, such as mosquitoes. The healthcare systems of several countries could therefore be put under pressure by a rapid increase in the number of patients.
Although this phenomenon is natural, scientists emphasize that current climate change could exacerbate its effects. International health authorities are calling for better preparation and increased surveillance to protect the most vulnerable populations from these health risks.