Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 400 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hello again, superstar! You’ve been doing excellently so far, and I’m really proud of your progress. Today’s topic is one that touches both science and real life—Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change Impact. It’s something we see in our communities, especially during the rainy season, and it’s a serious public health matter across Nigeria and Africa.
Let’s break it down in a clear, human, and relatable way, just like we always do.
Vector-Borne Diseases And Climate Change Impact
First, what are vector-borne diseases? These are diseases spread by vectors—organisms like mosquitoes, ticks, and flies that carry harmful microbes from one host to another. The most common example in Nigeria is malaria, which is spread by the female Anopheles mosquito. Other examples include yellow fever, dengue, Lassa fever (spread by rodents), and sleeping sickness (transmitted by the tsetse fly).
Now let’s bring in climate change. Climate change is the gradual change in global weather patterns caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and pollution. It leads to rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, droughts, and heatwaves—all of which affect the environment where these vectors live and breed.
How Climate Change Affects Vector-Borne Diseases
Warmer Temperatures
Mosquitoes and other vectors reproduce faster in warmer climates. As temperatures rise, mosquitoes now survive in areas that were once too cold for them, such as highland regions.
Example: Some communities in the Jos Plateau and Mambilla Plateau, where malaria used to be rare, are now reporting cases because mosquitoes can survive the warmer conditions.
Increased Rainfall and Flooding
Stagnant water from heavy rains and floods creates perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This leads to higher malaria and dengue transmission.
Changes in Vector Behaviour
Some vectors change their feeding patterns, biting during different times or targeting different animals or humans due to environmental stress. This can increase contact with humans.
Displacement and Overcrowding
Droughts and floods often force people to move to camps or crowded urban areas. In these environments, diseases can spread faster, especially when sanitation is poor.
Longer Transmission Seasons
With changing seasons, the window for transmission of diseases like malaria may now last most of the year, not just during the rainy season.
Nigerian Context
In states like Bayelsa and Lagos, where floods are frequent, cases of malaria and typhoid spike after heavy rains. Similarly, during dry seasons in the north, poor sanitation and rodent infestations lead to outbreaks of Lassa fever.
Preventing Vector-Borne Diseases Amid Climate Change
Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs)
Indoor spraying with safe chemicals
Proper drainage systems to prevent stagnant water
Community sanitation and hygiene education
Climate-smart urban planning and flood control measures
Surveillance and early detection by public health authorities
Summary
- Vector-borne diseases are spread by organisms like mosquitoes and ticks.
- Climate change increases these diseases through rising temperatures, flooding, and habitat changes.
- Prevention includes sanitation, use of mosquito nets, and adapting health systems to climate changes.
Evaluation
- Define vector-borne diseases with two examples relevant to Nigeria.
- How does flooding affect the spread of malaria?
- List three climate-related factors that affect vector populations.
With knowledge like this, you’re not just studying—you’re preparing to be part of the solution to real health challenges in Africa. Keep going strong—Afrilearn is here to help you make a real difference. See you in the next powerful lesson!