Fill in the blanks in each question. Animals that carry disease-causing microbes are called _____ .

Understanding how diseases spread is essential for prevention and control. Disease transmission refers to the passage of disease-causing microbes from an infected host to another individual. This can occur through various means, such as direct contact with bodily fluids, airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, and through animals known as vectors.

For example, when an infected person coughs or sneezes, they can expel respiratory droplets that carry viruses like influenza or COVID-19. If these droplets land on another person's mouth or nose, or if they touch a surface that these droplets have landed on and then touch their face, they can become infected. This is why good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing, are crucial in interrupting the chain of infection and preventing the spread of disease.

Microorganisms that bring about diseases are known as disease-causing microbes or pathogens. These include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Each type of pathogen has a unique way of breaching the defenses of the host organism and causing illness.

For instance, bacteria can produce toxins that damage tissues or interfere with their function. Viruses, on the other hand, invade host cells and use the cellular machinery to replicate themselves, often killing the host cells in the process. Parasites may live in or on their host, gaining nutrients at the host's expense. Understanding these mechanisms is key to developing treatments and vaccines. For example, antibiotics can target specific bacterial functions, while antiviral drugs can inhibit virus replication. Vaccines, on the other hand, prepare the body's immune system to fight off the microbes before they can cause disease.

Diseases that are transmitted to humans or other animals through vectors are known as vector-borne diseases. Vectors are living organisms that can carry and transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Common vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

For example, mosquitoes are notorious for their role in spreading malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. The process typically involves a mosquito biting an infected host, acquiring the pathogen, and then passing it on to the next organism it bites. Because vectors often have a wide range of hosts, they can be formidable foes in the battle against disease transmission. Strategies to combat vector-borne diseases include controlling the vector populations, using protective nets and repellents, and implementing vaccination and education programs to reduce exposure and enhance early detection and treatment of these diseases.