Vectors Flashcards
What is a vector?
A vector is an organism that carries pathogens in or on its body.
List the four distinct stages of the Life Cycle of a Mosquito in order.
- Egg
- Larva
- Pupa
- Adult
Where do stages 1-3 of the Life Cycle of a Mosquito live?
The egg, larvae and pupae of a Mosquito all live in water. The egg is laid in water.
Where do Adult mosquitos live?
Adult mosquitos live around human residences. They rest in cool,dark places in the day and they fly and feed in the evening.
The larva stage is the….
Growing and feeding stage for the Mosquito.
The pupa stage is the….
Non-feeding stage.
At which stage do mosquitos fly and reproduce?
The Adult stage.
Pathogens transmitted by mosquitos have TWO hosts:
- Humans who serve as the primary host.
- Mosquitos which serve as the secondary or intermediate host.
Explain how mosquitos receive their blood meals.
Blood is needed by the female Mosquito to mature her eggs. Mosquitos get this blood from humans.
With each bite, pathogens are transmitted into the human, as the saliva is injected into the blood to prevent it from clotting before the Mosquito sucks it up.
List some diseases caused by mosquitos.
Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue, Chikungunya
Anopheles mosquitos transmit a protozoan called Plasmodium that causes….
Malaria.
Yellow fever, Dengue and Chikungunya are caused by the viruses transmitted from the….
Aedes Mosquito.
List the symptoms of Malaria.
- Recurrent attacks of coldness and shivering.
- high fever and sweating lasting for several hours.
- Attacks of high fever and weakness that may continue for years.
Can Malaria be fatal?
Yes, this disease can be fatal.
List the symptoms of Yellow Fever.
- Fever, headache, aching muscles.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- In toxic phase:
●Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
●Bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes and internally.
●Liver and kidney failure.
Can Yellow Fever be fatal?
Yes, Yellow Fever can be fatal.
List the symptoms of Dengue.
- High fever, severe headaches,pain behind the eyes.
- Severe joint and muscle pain.
- Nausea, vomiting, skin rash.
List the symptoms of Haemorrhagic Dengue.
- Bleeding from the nose, gums, beneath the skin and internally.
●Haemorrhagic Dengue can be fatal.
List the symptoms of Chikungunya.
●Similar to those of Dengue
- Joint pain which can last for months. It affects wrists, hands, ankles and feet.
List some ways in which Mosquito larvae and pupae can be controlled.
- Drain all areas of standing water.
- Add insecticides to breeding areas to kill the larvae and pupae.
- Use fish like Tilapia in breeding areas to feed on the larvae and pupae (biological control)
- Spray oil, kerosene or non-toxic lecithins onto still-water breeding areas to prevent the larvae and pupae from breathing.
List some ways in which Adult mosquitos can be controlled.
- Remove dense vegetation to reduce protection for adults during the day.
- Spray them with insecticides to kill them.
