Urbanization and Public Health: Addressing Mosquito Borne Disease Challenges

Urbanization and the migration of people and goods create favorable environments for certain mosquito species to thrive and transmit diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus. The CDC reported approximately 13 million cases of Dengue in 2024. Similarly, at least 2,900 deaths occurred due to West Nile fever between 1999 and 2023 in the US. The current literature review explores the known interaction between urbanization, socioeconomic factors, and the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Urban environments, characterized by stagnant water sources, heat islands, and inadequate waste management provide ideal mosquito habitat. Increased population density and socioeconomic disparities play a crucial role in determining disease risk, with low-income neighborhoods experiencing higher mosquito densities and greater vulnerability to disease outbreaks. Lack of understanding the risk factors for mosquito-borne disease or failing to engage in preventative behavior compounds the likelihood of infection. Public health interventions, particularly community-based education and prevention, have shown promise in reducing disease incidence. However, challenges remain in sustaining long-term behavior changes and addressing health's complex environmental and social determinants. This review highlights the need for a comprehensive approach integrating education, infrastructure improvement, and policy changes to mitigate the burden of mosquito-borne diseases in urban populations.