Emerging and Expanding Infections due to Climate Change of Concern to Rheumatologists

Authors

Jan C. Semenza, Heidelberg University
Daniele Provenzano, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2026

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly shaping the global landscape of infectious diseases. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are facilitating the spread of vector-borne illnesses. Extreme precipitation events are linked to waterborne disease outbreaks, while extended summers contribute to more foodborne illnesses. These environmental changes, combined with individual vulnerabilities, also influence the risk of developing rheumatic diseases. Among infectious agents, arboviruses emerge as the most strongly associated with rheumatic conditions and are particularly well-positioned to exploit global interconnectedness, urbanization, and climate change to further drive their worldwide proliferation and public health impact.

Comments

Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rdc.2025.08.007

Recommended Citation

Semenza, Jan C., and Daniele Provenzano. "Emerging and Expanding Infections due to Climate Change of Concern to Rheumatologists." Rheumatic Disease Clinics 52, no. 1 (2026): 83-101.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rdc.2025.08.007

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Publication Title

Rheumatic Disease Clinics

DOI

10.1016/j.rdc.2025.08.007