Diseases in AP Environmental Science

Flashcards covering key diseases relevant to AP Environmental Science.

Malaria

A disease caused by protozoa carried by mosquitos, causing fever and chills and killing millions each year, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

West Nile Virus

A virus carried by mosquitos that causes fever and chills, with dead birds as primary indicators of disease.

Cholera

A bacterial infection in water or food that results in diarrhea and can lead to death, primarily found in developing countries without clean water.

Zika

A virus transmitted by mosquitos that can cause birth defects and is also sexually transmitted, notably seen during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

Plague

A bacterial disease spread by fleas on rats, causing flu-like symptoms and can also spread through bodily fluids.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A bacterial disease that damages the lungs and is historically deadly, spread by respiratory droplets or body fluids.

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

A viral illness that causes pneumonia and lung damage, primarily spread through respiratory droplets.

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)

A viral infection that causes respiratory problems similar to the flu, associated with camels and bats as vectors.

Dysentery

A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea and intestinal problems, spread via untreated sewage and contaminated water.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

A highly contagious bacterial disease characterized by uncontrollable coughing, preventable by vaccines.

Measles

A highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe respiratory issues and rash, leading to significant mortality worldwide.