Discussion Ph Bio 05: Identify If Vector-Borne Or Zoonotic ✓ Solved

Discussion Ph Bio 05 Two Pagesidentify A Vector Borne Or Zoonotic D

Discussion Ph Bio 05 Two Pagesidentify A Vector Borne Or Zoonotic D

Identify a vector-borne or zoonotic disease that you feel has a large, negative impact on the health of the community. Try to choose a disease that has not been identified by your peers. How is it transmitted and how could the transmission be controlled or prevented?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide, impacting communities through morbidity and mortality. Among these, the West Nile Virus (WNV) and Babesiosis are prominent examples that demonstrate how vector transmission influences disease prevalence and community health. This paper examines West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne disease with substantial health implications, and emphasizes prevention strategies crucial for controlling its spread.

Overview of West Nile Virus (WNV)

West Nile Virus (WNV) was first identified in the late 1930s in the West Nile district of Uganda, marking its initial detection as a zoonotic virus circulating among birds and mosquitoes (WHO, 2017). Over time, it has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in urbanized regions, due to its transmission cycle involving mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts, notably birds and humans. WNV is a member of the Flaviviridae family, with a complex ecology that facilitates its persistence and spread (CDC, 2017).

Transmission of West Nile Virus

The primary mode of WNV transmission is through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, predominantly of the Culex genus. These mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds during their migratory and breeding cycles. Subsequently, they transmit the virus to humans and other mammals during blood meals. Notably, human-to-human transmission is rare and mainly occurs through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to child during pregnancy (CDC, 2017).

Impact on Community Health

WNV infection is asymptomatic in the majority of cases; however, approximately 20% of infected individuals develop West Nile Fever, characterized by fever, headache, fatigue, and rash. A small percentage, less than 1%, develop severe neurological diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis, which can result in long-term disabilities or death (WHO, 2017). Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, are at heightened risk for severe disease outcomes. The lack of a licensed vaccine and specific antiviral treatment exacerbates the public health burden, making prevention the mainstay of control efforts (CDC, 2017).

Prevention and Control Strategies

Given the absence of vaccines and targeted antiviral therapies, preventing WNV infection primarily hinges on vector control and personal protective measures. These include reducing mosquito breeding habitats by eliminating standing water in containers, gutters, and discarded tires, which disrupts mosquito life cycles. The use of insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity hours (dusk and dawn) are critical personal protective strategies (EPA, 2016).

Community-wide interventions involve applying larvicides to targeted mosquito breeding sites and adulticides to reduce adult mosquito populations, especially during outbreaks. Public education campaigns are vital to raise awareness about personal protective measures and habitat elimination. Additionally, monitoring mosquito populations and surveillance of WNV activity guides timely interventions, minimizing human cases (CDC, 2017).

Role of Government and Public Health Agencies

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of pesticides for mosquito control, ensuring safety standards are met to protect human and environmental health (EPA, 2016). State and local health departments conduct mosquito surveillance, implement control programs, and disseminate information to communities. The CDC provides guidelines for integrated vector management, emphasizing a balanced approach combining environmental management, chemical control, and personal protection (CDC, 2017).

Conclusion

West Nile Virus exemplifies how vector-borne diseases can have profound public health impacts, especially in urban and suburban settings. Effective control relies on a multifaceted approach that includes environmental management, community engagement, seasonal surveillance, and personal protective measures. As climate change and urban expansion continue to influence vector ecology, ongoing research, community education, and robust public health policies are essential to mitigate WNV transmission and protect community health.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). West Nile Virus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsmaps/preliminarymapsdata2017/Index.html
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2016). Basic information about pesticide ingredients. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/pesticides
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). West Nile Virus. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/west-nile-virus
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018). West Nile Virus. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/statsmaps/preliminarymapsdata2018/Index.html
  • Reisen, W. K., et al. (2013). Ecology of West Nile Virus in California. Journal of Medical Entomology, 50(3), 544–554.
  • Sejvar, J. J., et al. (2005). Neurologic manifestations of West Nile virus infection. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 191(8), 1215–1221.
  • Gould, E. A., et al. (2010). West Nile Virus and other arboviruses of public health importance in Europe. World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe.
  • Darwish, H., et al. (2017). Genetic diversity of West Nile Virus strains circulating in Europe. PLoS One, 12(8), e0183961.
  • Komar, N., et al. (2003). West Nile Virus Detection in Birds, Mosquitoes, and Humans. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 69(2), 145–151.
  • Barrett, A. D. T., et al. (2009). Vaccines against West Nile Virus: A Review. Vaccine, 25(12), 2267–2274.

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