Vector-Borne Transmission
Vector-Borne Transmission : Vectors are animals that are capable of transmitting diseases. Examples of vectors are flies, mites, fleas, ticks, rats, and dogs. The most common vector for disease is the mosquito. Mosquitoes transfer disease through the saliva, which comes in contact with their hosts when they are withdrawing blood. Mosquitoes are vectors for malaria, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Vectors add an extra dimension to disease transmission. Since vectors are mobile, they increase the transmission range of a disease. Changes in vector behavior will affect the transmission pattern of a disease. It is important to study the behavior of the vector as well as the disease-causing microorganism in order to establish a proper method of disease prevention. In the case of malaria, insecticides were sprayed and breeding grounds for mosquitoes were eliminated in an attempt to control the spread of malaria. Biting is not the only way vectors can transmit diseases. Diseases may be spread through the feces of a vector. Microorganisms could also be located on the outside surface of a vector (such as a fly) and spread through physical contact with food, a common touch surface, or a susceptible individual
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