Rising temperatures could bring more vector-borne diseases to Canada, commentary warns
by Canadian Medical Association Journal
edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Climate change is affecting the local ecology in Canada, contributing to emerging tick- and mosquito-borne diseases and infections in humans, argue authors of a commentary published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)
"Climate change can drive disease emergence by increasing survival and geographic distribution of pathogens, vectors, and animal reservoir hosts, as well as by affecting human behavior," writes Dr. Eleni Galanis, Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Programs Branch at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), with a co-author. "The risk from climate-sensitive diseases already common in Canada is increasing."
Tropical diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, or other mosquito-borne infections, could be transmitted locally as the Asian tiger mosquito, a host for these diseases, has been detected in the southernmost part of Ontario.
Clinicians should be aware of these disease threats and advise patients to take precautions when traveling and during summer months at home.
Two related articles in the same issue of CMAJ provide clinical examples of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a newer disease, and tick-borne spirochetosis, a rare and difficult-to-diagnose disease.
"People in Canada are observing the substantial effects of climate change on human health. Physicians can prepare by familiarizing themselves with potential climate-sensitive diseases in their regions and maintaining a high index of suspicion in the appropriate clinical context," the authors conclude.
Publication details
Climate change and emerging diseases: challenges for physicians in Canada, Canadian Medical Association Journal (2026). DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.252050
Canadian Medical Association Journal (2026) DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.251935
Canadian Medical Association Journal (2026) DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.252050
Journal information: Canadian Medical Association Journal
Key medical concepts
ChikungunyaDengueRocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Clinical categories
Infectious diseasesCommon illnesses & PreventionPreventive medicine Provided by Canadian Medical Association Journal Who's behind this story?
Sadie Harley
BSc Life Sciences & Ecology. Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Full profile →
Andrew Zinin
Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →
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