Climate Change Accelerates Deadly Fungal Disease Spread

Rising global temperatures are accelerating the global expansion of deadly fungal pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, threatening both human health and food security. By 2100, Aspergillus fumigatus could increase its range by 77% in Europe, exposing millions more to potentially fatal lung infections, while Aspergillus flavus poses additional risks through crop contamination. Fungal infections already cause an estimated 2.5 million deaths annually and are difficult to diagnose and treat due to drug resistance and limited research. Climate change-driven changes in humidity and extreme weather events are enabling these fungi to adapt and spread more rapidly. Public health experts warn that fungal diseases, recently recognized by the World Health Organization as top priority threats, remain severely underfunded and understudied. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced global monitoring, research, and preparedness to address this expanding threat.