Question

How do mosquitoes help in spreading viruses /microorganisms?

Answer 1

Vector:

1. A vector is called a carrier of causative microbes for various diseases like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
2. The reproduction rates of various vectors are influenced by the climate and weather.
3. Malaria & Dengue fever are the two most common vector-borne diseases.
4. Such diseases spread by vectors are malaria (mosquitos), dengue (mosquitos), zika fever, rickettsial disease (ticks), Leishmaniasis (Sandflies), Trypanosomiasis, and filariasis.

Mosquitoes spread the virus by:

1. They do not carry the virus within them.
2. However, they transmit the virus by acting as a vector.
3. When they bite an infected person, they become a vector.
4. By biting another person, they infect him too.

Methods to control the breeding of mosquitoes:

1. Destroying the breeding place of mosquitoes by avoiding standing water.
2. Spraying insecticides to avoid breeding of mosquitoes.
3. Allowing fishes such as Gambusia which specifically breed on fish larvae.