Disease Vectors - JSS3 Physical and health education Lesson Note

Disease vectors are organisms that transmit pathogens from one host to another. They play a crucial role in the spread of many infectious diseases. Here are the main types:

Arthropod Vectors: These include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and sandflies. They transmit pathogens while feeding on blood. Examples of diseases spread by arthropod vectors include malaria (mosquitoes), Lyme disease (ticks), and plague (fleas).

Vertebrate Vectors: Some diseases are transmitted by vertebrate animals. For example, rodents can carry diseases like hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their urine or droppings.

Waterborne Vectors: Certain aquatic organisms, like snails, can serve as vectors for diseases such as schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic worms that penetrate the skin when individuals come into contact with contaminated water.

Airborne Vectors: Although less common, some diseases can be transmitted by airborne vectors like dust particles contaminated with pathogens.