Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42475383›Full record

SynthesisPLoS neglected tropical diseases2026

Battling dengue in a warming world: How climate and urbanization shape transmission in low- and middle-income countries (a rapid review).

Nicole Saad, Jiaqin Wu, Myha Hill, Scott Dorris, Jingyi Liu, Finn Wernet, Yu-Hsiang Wu, Jasnoor Kaur Anand, Abrahim Sawez, Weijun Yu

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Nicole SaadCollege of Arts and Sciences, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Jiaqin WuCenter for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Myha HillSchool of Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Scott DorrisDahlgren Memorial Library, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Jingyi LiuWalsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Finn WernetCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Yu-Hsiang WuWalsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Jasnoor Kaur AnandWalsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Abrahim SawezSchool of Health, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Weijun YuCenter for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0771-5581

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDengue fever is a globally prevalent vector-borne disease, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experiencing a disproportionate burden. Transmission patterns are increasingly influenced by rising global temperatures and rapid urbanization, yet no recent review has synthesized how these environmental factors are reshaping dengue dynamics in LMICs.

methodsWe conducted a rapid systematic review following a registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42025635982). Six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, SciELO, Global Index Medicus and Web of Science) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2020 and November 2024. Studies were screened for climate or urbanization factors affecting dengue transmission in LMICs. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for empirical studies and a structured assessment for modeling studies. Findings were synthesized narratively.

resultsOf the 65 included studies, 65% reported a positive association between rising temperatures and increased dengue transmission, often attributed to intensified mosquito activity and longer transmission seasons. Urbanization was assessed in 35% of studies, with unplanned growth, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure frequently associated with increased risk. Several studies reported geographic expansion into highland and peri-urban areas, as well as seasonal shifts, including earlier onset and prolonged transmission periods. Urban heat islands and land-use change were commonly associated with localized transmission hotspots. Government responses were documented in 29% of studies, though many were hindered by fragmented surveillance systems, limited cross-sector coordination, or insufficient integration of climate data into public health planning.

conclusionClimate change and urbanization are reshaping the spatial and temporal dynamics of dengue in LMICs. Adaptive responses require strengthened surveillance and climate-informed planning in resilient urban infrastructure to reduce future transmission risks.

Indexed as

DengueUrbanizationAedesAnimalsClimateDeveloping CountriesHumansMosquito Vectors

Identifiers

PMID42475383
PMCPMC13405114

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.