Impact of Climate Change on Vector-Borne Diseases and Other Infections

Classification of vector-borne diseases (VBDs)

Vector-borne diseases are infections transmitted by the bite of infected arthropod species (the vector). Arthropods are invertebrate animals with an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages. Examples are insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. Other, non-vector-borne diseases can be classified as:

Ø Non-vector water-borne diseases: these are conditions caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in water.

Ø Air-borne diseases: caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in air.

Ø Non-vector blood-borne diseases: caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in blood and other bodily fluids.

Major VBDs: