The Impact of Climate Change on the Epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Temperate Regions: A Scoping Review 

Nyambura Achieng M.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Climate change is increasingly influencing the epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax malaria, particularly in temperate regions where shifting environmental conditions are altering transmission dynamics. This scoping review examined the impact of climate change on P. vivax malaria by evaluating the roles of temperature, precipitation, and vector habitat expansion in driving transmission patterns. Systematic research and synthesis of peer-reviewed literature, climate models, and epidemiological data were conducted to assess the interplay between climatic factors and malaria risk. Findings revealed that rising temperatures extend mosquito breeding seasons and reduce winter mortality, while changes in precipitation and humidity create favorable conditions for vector proliferation. Additionally, the expansion of Anopheles mosquito habitats into higher latitudes and elevations, coupled with prolonged transmission periods, increases the risk of malaria resurgence in previously non-endemic temperate regions. Human factors such as migration, socioeconomic disparities, and land-use changes further exacerbate transmission risks. The review underscored the need for integrated public health strategies, including enhanced surveillance, vector control, and climate-informed risk assessments, to mitigate the impact of climate change on P. vivax malaria. Proactive measures and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to address the evolving threat of malaria in temperate climates and to prevent its re-emergence in vulnerable populations. 

Keywords: Plasmodium vivax malaria, Climate change, Temperate regions, Vector dynamics, Malaria transmission.

CITE AS: Nyambura Achieng M. (2025). The Impact of Climate Change on the Epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Temperate Regions: A Scoping Review. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(2):76-79. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/527679