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October 9, 2024

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Uninformed, Unconcerned: Ignoring the Global Surge of Mosquito-Borne Diseases at Our Peril

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Overview

Infectious disease experts critically differ in awareness, concern and reaction to the surge of mosquito-borne diseases from those on the front line, both primary care physicians and the public, finds Cure's Mosquito-Borne Diseases Benchmark Report 2024.

Cure’s report, from a first-of-its-kind survey of primary care physicians and the general public, reveals a stark contrast in perceptions of mosquito-borne diseases, highlighting striking knowledge gaps, misaligned concerns and a lack of confidence in public health responses. Cure's report also emphasizes the necessity for accelerated investment in therapeutics and vaccine research, mosquito mitigation efforts and coordinated public health response.

Cure also spoke with both Anthony Fauci, MD, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and who recently recovered from West Nile Virus, and Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, about the survey results.

Knowledge Gaps About Mosquito-Borne Diseases Pose Risks to Effective Response

The report found that only 30 percent of physicians and 16 percent of the public reported feeling well-informed about the risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases. This high level of unawareness could hinder early detection and preparedness efforts, leaving communities vulnerable to the spread of these diseases.

Skepticism of Local Public Health Responses to Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Both physicians and the public expressed low confidence in local public health agencies’ ability to handle outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases. Only 24 percent of physicians and 17 percent of the public reported high or complete confidence in the ability of their local health agencies to manage an outbreak. This lack of trust underscores the need for stronger public health infrastructure and greater visibility of preventive measures to restore public faith.

Diverging Support for Mosquito-Borne Diseases Vaccine Development

Cure found marked differences in the level of support for government funding for vaccine development. While 70 percent of physicians strongly back the idea of government-funded vaccine research, only 45 percent of the public shares this view. This discrepancy points to a need for public health campaigns addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, ensuring the public understands the critical role vaccines play in combating mosquito-borne diseases.

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