Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution Notes - Diseases and their Pathogens

Plague

A disease carried by organisms, usually fleas and rats, infected with the plague bacteria. It is transferred to humans via the bite of the infected organism or through contact with contaminated fluids or tissues

Tuberculosis

a bacterial infection that typically attacks the lungs. It is spread by breathing in the bacteria from the bodily fluids of an infected person and is deadly

Malaria

A parasitic disease caused by bites from protozoa infected mosquitoes. It is most often found in sub-Saharan Africa, and can cause fever and chills. Kills millions annually

West Nile Virus

A viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, causing symptoms ranging from mild flu-like signs to severe neurological illness.

Cholera

a severe diarrheal disease caused by the bacteria that has contaminated water or food. It can lead to dehydration and death if not treated promptly.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

a viral respiratory illness transferred from animals to humans, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It can result in severe pneumonia and has a high mortality rate.

Zika Virus

a viral infection transmitted primarily by mosquito bites then sexually transmitted, often causing mild symptoms like fever and rash but can lead to serious birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

Dysntery

an intestinal infection causing severe diarrhea with blood and mucus, typically caused by bacteria or parasites.

Which countries do these diseases most likely occur in?

Poverty-stricken, low-income areas that often lack sanitary waste disposal and have contaminated drinking water supplies, which leads to havens and opportunities for the spread of infectious diseases.

What are common geographic locations for these dieases?

Commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where environmental conditions favor the breeding of disease-carrying vectors and facilitate transmission.

Due to the warming of our climate, these diseases have moved upwards and away from these tropical climates, towards the US and other countries that experience similar environmental conditions.