Climate change, thermal anomalies and the recent progression of dengue in Brazil

Dengue is rapidly expanding its transmission area across Brazil and much of South America. In this study, data-mining techniques were used to identify climatic and sociodemographic indicators that could explain this trend. The previous circulation of the virus, urbanization, and the occurrence of thermal anomalies for a prolonged period were the main factors that led to increased incidence of dengue in the central region of Brazil. Regions with high altitudes, which previously consisted of a barrier for dengue transmission, became areas of high incidence rates. The algorithm that was developed in this study can be utilized to assess future climate scenarios and plan preventive actions.