M9 Overview: Zoonotic & Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases
Introduction
A close-up image under a microscope showing a Covid-19 virus. | A close-up view of a mosquito, which is a vector for over dozens vector-borne diseases (Zika, Dengue, Malaria, etc.). |
This module is all about vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. We will first define vector, vector-borne diseases, and zoonoses with examples from each. The focus in this unit is to introduce the most important vector borne diseases, such as Malaria, Dengue, West Nile Virus, Plague, and Lyme Disease. You want to make sure you are able to describe the disease, the causative agent, the vector and host, and its global range. With respect to the zoonotic diseases, you will be introduced to a wide-array of zoonotic diseases and the animal host or reservoir that harbors the pathogen. Some of these host animals can be either domestic or wild. The module will wrap up with the concept of emerging and re-emerging vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, and the various factors that are leading to their emergence or re-emergence.
Hope you will enjoy this module!
Learning Objectives
In this module, you will:
- Define with examples vector, host, reservoir, pathogen, as well as, diseases that are vector-borne and and zoonotic in nature
- Describe the vector, pathogen, range, and control of some major vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, plague, west nile virus, and lyme disease
- Identify emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases, and factors responsible for their emergence or re-emergence