Bursa Metropolitan Municipality organized an important panel to draw attention to the increasing vector-borne diseases due to the impact of climate change and to inform the public about the precautions that can be taken in this regard. The event, titled “Panel on Vector-borne Diseases Caused by the Climate Crisis”, was brought to life in cooperation with the Bursa Chamber of Dentists, Bursa Chamber of Pharmacists, Bursa Chamber of Physicians and Bursa Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons.
Veterinary Services Branch Manager Özlem Kartal, Bursa Veterinary Surgeons Chamber President Melike Baysal, Bursa Uludağ University Prof. Dr. Levent Aydın, Prof. Dr. Emel Yılmaz, valuable representatives of relevant academic chambers and many citizens attended the panel hosted by Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Veterinary Affairs Department Directorate at Atatürk Cultural Center Merinos Campus.
Major Epidemic Warning and Vector Control Efforts
In the panel moderated by Bursa Veterinary Surgeons Chamber President Melike Baysal, Veterinary Services Branch Manager Özlem Kartal took the floor first and provided important information about zoonotic (animal-to-human) diseases that can be transmitted through vectors. Drawing attention to the potential for major epidemics that can spread through vectors, Kartal stated that the World Health Organization predicts the death of millions of people due to this reason. Stating that they organized this panel in order to draw attention to this serious issue, Kartal emphasized that Bursa Metropolitan Municipality continues its vector control efforts in 17 districts throughout the province without interruption.
Climate Change Accelerates Spread of Diseases
One of the important speakers of the panel, Prof. Dr. Levent Aydın, stated that there has been a significant increase in diseases transmitted from animals to humans in recent times. Emphasizing that climate change has paved the way for these diseases to spread more rapidly and to wider areas, Aydın conveyed that serious scientific studies are being conducted on the fight against parasites and the results of global climate change. Warning that vector-borne diseases could be one of the biggest health problems in the future, Aydın stated that seasonal dynamics have started to disappear due to climate change.
Warning to be careful about clothing choices in rural areas
Prof. Dr. Emel Yılmaz stated in her speech that there has been an increase in infectious diseases transmitted through vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, as well as in Türkiye. Reminding that Türkiye is located on important bird migration routes, Yılmaz said that for this reason, there is a possibility of infectious diseases that can be transmitted from birds to humans. Recommending that citizens living in rural areas in particular pay attention to their clothing preferences, Yılmaz emphasized that choosing long-sleeved and light-colored clothing can play an important role in protecting against vector bites.
