Zoonosis And Vector Borne Diseases
The diseases discussed in this module(Zoonosis and Vector Borne Diseases) have killed hundreds of millions of people over the last several thousand years. Many of them are facilitated by human behavior such as leaving standing water around homes allowing for mosquitoes to breed or people moving into the edge of forests where they come into contact with infected animals. What are potential solutions we might use to protect health? What would you tell policy makers and government officials regarding the health implications of these activities?
Sample Answer
Zoonotic and vector-borne diseases are a major public health threat, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including human behavior. Here are some potential solutions we might use to protect health:
- Educate the public about the risks of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases: This includes teaching people about how to avoid contact with infected animals, how to prevent mosquito bites, and how to properly dispose of waste.
- Improve sanitation and hygiene: This can help to reduce the number of mosquitoes and other vectors that can transmit diseases.
- Develop new vaccines and treatments: This is important for preventing and treating diseases that are already present, as well as for emerging diseases.
- Protect wildlife habitats: This can help to reduce the contact between humans and animals that may be carrying diseases.