Beware: Climate Change May Spark Rise in Rodent-Borne Diseases, Warns Korean Scientist

Climate change is shaking up the world, and it might bring more diseases carried by rodents, warns a top ecologist from South Korea. Choi Kyung-seong spoke at a recent symposium in Osong called “Climate Crisis and Zoonotic Disease Response.” He highlighted how warmer summers and shorter winters are benefiting rodent populations.

Choi explained that as the climate warms, insects—an essential food source for rodents—are spreading to new areas. This leads to a surge in rodent numbers, which raises the risk of diseases jumping to humans. Rodent-borne illnesses like plague and leptospirosis are already a concern. They can spread through droppings, urine, or parasites like ticks.

The symposium, organized by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) along with other health institutions, aimed to find ways to tackle the rising threat of diseases passed from animals to humans. Choi emphasized the need for a national survey on rodent populations and the diseases they carry. He noted that much of the current research focuses too heavily on hantaviruses. “We must adapt to new threats,” he urged.

KDCA Commissioner Jee Young-mee agreed, stating that climate change and increased travel are both making zoonotic diseases more frequent. She highlighted the importance of evidence-based policies to improve public health responses. According to recent data, the incidence of zoonotic diseases has risen by over 40% in the last decade, illustrating the urgency of addressing this issue.

As the world continues to change, understanding these health risks is crucial. Experts urge communities and governments to act quickly to prepare for and prevent the spread of these diseases. The interplay between climate change and public health is more significant now than ever, making collective action vital.

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