Vectors

Question 1

What is a vector?

Answer 1

A vector is an organism that carries pathogens in or on its body.

Question 2

List the four distinct stages of the Life Cycle of a Mosquito in order.

Answer 2

1. Egg
2. Larva
3. Pupa
4. Adult

Question 3

Where do stages 1-3 of the Life Cycle of a Mosquito live?

Answer 3

The egg, larvae and pupae of a Mosquito all live in water. The egg is laid in water.

Question 4

Where do Adult mosquitos live?

Answer 4

Adult mosquitos live around human residences. They rest in cool,dark places in the day and they fly and feed in the evening.

Question 5

The larva stage is the….

Answer 5

Growing and feeding stage for the Mosquito.

Question 6

The pupa stage is the….

Answer 6

Non-feeding stage.

Question 7

At which stage do mosquitos fly and reproduce?

Answer 7

The Adult stage.

Question 8

Pathogens transmitted by mosquitos have TWO hosts:

Answer 8

1. Humans who serve as the primary host.
2. Mosquitos which serve as the secondary or intermediate host.

Question 9

Explain how mosquitos receive their blood meals.

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

List some diseases caused by mosquitos.

Answer 10

Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue, Chikungunya

Question 11

Anopheles mosquitos transmit a protozoan called Plasmodium that causes….

Answer 11

Malaria.

Question 12

Yellow fever, Dengue and Chikungunya are caused by the viruses transmitted from the….

Answer 12

Aedes Mosquito.

Question 13

List the symptoms of Malaria.

Answer 13

1. Recurrent attacks of coldness and shivering.
2. high fever and sweating lasting for several hours.
3. Attacks of high fever and weakness that may continue for years.

Question 14

Can Malaria be fatal?

Answer 14

Yes, this disease can be fatal.

Question 15

List the symptoms of Yellow Fever.

Answer 15

1. Fever, headache, aching muscles.
2. Nausea and vomiting.
3. In toxic phase:
   ●Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
   ●Bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes and internally.
   ●Liver and kidney failure.

Question 16

Can Yellow Fever be fatal?

Answer 16

Yes, Yellow Fever can be fatal.

Question 17

List the symptoms of Dengue.

Answer 17

1. High fever, severe headaches,pain behind the eyes.
2. Severe joint and muscle pain.
3. Nausea, vomiting, skin rash.

Question 18

List the symptoms of Haemorrhagic Dengue.

Answer 18

1. Bleeding from the nose, gums, beneath the skin and internally.

●Haemorrhagic Dengue can be fatal.

Question 19

List the symptoms of Chikungunya.

Answer 19

●Similar to those of Dengue

1. Joint pain which can last for months. It affects wrists, hands, ankles and feet.

Question 20

List some ways in which Mosquito larvae and pupae can be controlled.

Answer 20

1. Drain all areas of standing water.
2. Add insecticides to breeding areas to kill the larvae and pupae.
3. Use fish like Tilapia in breeding areas to feed on the larvae and pupae (biological control)
4. Spray oil, kerosene or non-toxic lecithins onto still-water breeding areas to prevent the larvae and pupae from breathing.

Question 21

List some ways in which Adult mosquitos can be controlled.

Answer 21

1. Remove dense vegetation to reduce protection for adults during the day.
2. Spray them with insecticides to kill them.