Emerging Public Health Concerns in the US
Public health is a multidisciplinary field aimed at protecting and improving the health of individuals, communities, and populations. Its primary objective is to prevent disease, prolong life, and promote health through organized efforts and informed choices. In recent years, the health landscape in the United States has undergone significant changes, due in part to political shifts and the increasing impacts of climate change. Emerging public health concerns must be monitored and addressed to protect US residents from injury and illness.
One of the most critical emerging public health concerns in the US and across the world is the impact of climate change on human health. Climate change exacerbates existing health threats and creates new ones, affecting food and water sources, air quality, and weather patterns. The health effects of these disruptions include increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, injuries and premature deaths related to extreme weather events, and changes in the prevalence and geographical distribution of infectious diseases. As temperatures continue to rise, heat-related illnesses and deaths are projected to increase, potentially reaching thousands to tens of thousands of additional deaths during summer months each year by the end of the century.
Another significant emerging public health issue is the deterioration of air quality due to industrial pollution and other environmental factors. Climate change worsens air quality by increasing ground-level ozone (a component of smog), pollen, and wildfire smoke. This leads to an increase in respiratory problems, exacerbates existing conditions like asthma, and can have long-term health consequences for affected populations. The impact of poor air quality is particularly concerning in urban areas and regions prone to wildfires. According to projections, higher concentrations of ozone due to climate change may result in tens to thousands of additional ozone-related illnesses and premature deaths per year.
A third emerging public health concern is the growing threat of vector-borne diseases. Climate change is altering the geographic distribution of disease vectors such as ticks and mosquitoes, potentially exposing more people to diseases like Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. This shift in disease patterns poses new challenges for public health systems, requiring enhanced surveillance, prevention strategies, and healthcare preparedness. From 2004 to 2016, a total of 642,602 cases of 16 diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas were reported to the CDC. Notably, tickborne diseases more than doubled in 13 years, accounting for 77% of all vector-borne disease reports in the US, with Lyme disease representing 82% of all tickborne cases. In 2021, there were approximately 16,211 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the country.
Emerging public health concerns in the US, particularly those related to climate change, air quality, and vector-borne diseases, present significant challenges to the nation’s health and well-being. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration between public health professionals, policymakers, and communities. Potential paths forward include strengthening public health infrastructure, investing in research and surveillance systems, implementing policies to mitigate climate change, and promoting community resilience.
To effectively tackle these concerns, public health initiatives must focus on prevention, early detection, and rapid response. This includes improving air quality monitoring systems, enhancing vector control programs, and developing climate-resilient healthcare systems. Additionally, public education and awareness campaigns are crucial to empower individuals and communities to take proactive measures to protect their health in the face of these evolving challenges. By prioritizing these emerging public health concerns and implementing comprehensive strategies to address them, the United States can work towards creating a healthier, more resilient population better equipped to face the health challenges of the future.
References
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3. World Health Organization. Climate change and health. WHO.int. Updated October 12, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Vector-Borne Diseases. CDC.gov. Updated June 26, 2024. Accessed February 13, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/about/index.html
5. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC.ch. Published 2022. Accessed February 13, 2025. doi:10.1017/9781009325844
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