Vectors and the spread of Pathogenic diseases

A Vector is an organism that carries pathogens in or on its body. It transmits the pathogen from one
person to another and is not usually harmed by the pathogen, e.g., house flies which transmit
gastroenteritis, rats which transmit leptospirosis, fleas which transmit bubonic plague, and mosquitoes
that transmit several diseases.

The Life cycle of a Mosquito

Mosquitoes under Complete Metamorphosis in four (4) stages:

1. Egg – The adult female lays eggs in protected areas that hold water when it rains. The eggs float
on the surface of the water.
2. Larva – The larva hatches from the egg. This is the feeding and growing stage. Larvae live in the
water where they hand from the surface and breathe air through breathing tubes. They feed on
micro-organisms and organic matter in the water.
3. Pupa – The Pupa develops from the larva. The pupa is the non-feeding stage in which larval
tissue re-organizes into adult tissue. Pupae live in the water where they hang from the surface
and breathe air through two breathing tubes.
4. Adult (Imago) – The adult emerges from the pupa. The adult is the flying and reproducing stage.
Adults feed on nectar and sugars from plants. After mating, the female requires blood to mature
her eggs before she lays them. She usually obtains the blood from a human. Adults live in and
around human residences where they rest in cool, dark places during the day, and fly and feed
in the evenings.
The role of the mosquito as a vector

Pathogens that are transmitted by mosquitoes have two main hosts; humans as primary hosts, and
mosquitoes as secondary hosts (the Pathogens do not cause the mosquitoes any harm).

When a female mosquito sucks blood, if the blood contains pathogens, the pathogens would go through
her intestines and then into her salivary glands. There, the pathogens would multiply throughout her
lifetime. Each time she bites someone to obtain a meal, she can transmit the pathogens to that person
as she injects saliva into the blood. This saliva prevents the blood from clotting before she sucks it up.

Mosquitoes act as reservoirs of pathogens, ensuring that these pathogens survive.

(Read up on the different diseases caused by Mosquitoes, including Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue
Fever, and Chikungunya)

Social, Environmental and Economic implications of Diseases

Disease within human populations can cause loss of earnings as persons with the disease are unable to
work. Businesses then become less productive due to a reduction in hours of labour, and this leads to a
reduced economy. Demands on health services increase as more people have to seek treatment.
Ultimately, human resources are lost and standards of living are reduced.

Disease within livestock and agricultural crops results in decreased or lost food production, loss of
income for the farmer, and a reduced economy, especially if the produce was for export. It also leads to
decreased food availability, increased food prices on the local market and reduced standards of living of
those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.