Water-storage dengue warning in Australia

Climate change is having an impact on the spread of dengue fever, scientists in Australia have said.

A lack of rainfall and sustained periods of drought have led to an increase in the number of people storing water in modified containers.

However, these storage tanks provide perfect breeding conditions for dengue-fever carrying mosquitoes.

In a study printed in the journal Functional Ecology, Dr Michael Kearney from the University of Melbourne explained that the human behaviour changes caused by climate change could have a significant impact on dengue fever.

He said: "In many Australian cities and towns, a major impact of climate change is reduced rainfall, resulting in a dramatic increase in domestic rainwater storage and other forms of water hoarding.

"Water tanks and other water storage vessels such as modified wheelie bins are potential breeding sites for this disease-bearing mosquito. Without due caution with water storage hygiene, this indirect effect of climate change via human adaptation could dramatically re-expand the mosquito's current range."

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