Green Areas, Environmental Index, and Arbovirus Transmission Under Climate Change in Brazil

Arbovirus infections remain a major challenge for health policies in large cities in tropical regions, where outbreaks and epidemics of these diseases are frequent. However, many policies still operate in a fragmented manner, without considering the interdependence between climate, urbanization, and health, making it difficult to control and prevent these diseases. This study aimed to identify the urban environmental and socioeconomic conditions related to cases of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in the city of Salvador, Brazil. Data were analyzed using bivariate maps and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The results demonstrated that vulnerability to these diseases transcends socioeconomic factors and covers urban infrastructure and environmental conditions. The most recurrent disease was dengue, with 75% infections, and was strongly associated with higher percentages of green cover and better sanitation indexes, but with lower socio-environmental quality indexes. Chikungunya and Zika followed a different pattern. The results of this research are expected to contribute to improving strategies for controlling arbovirus outbreaks in tropical regions, as well as strengthening the resilience of these regions to the challenges imposed by climate change.