Learning Objectives

• Define and give examples of vectors, vector-borne disease, reservoir host and incidental host, and explain the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic incubation periods (in respect to humans) in disease control.
• Outline the life cycle of Plasmodium species and relate this to the main preventive measures for malaria.
• Describe the commonly used diagnostic tools for malaria, and discuss the important clinical differences between species.
• Discuss transmission and control of dengue in the north Australian context. List the main signs and symptoms of dengue fever, and briefly differentiate between dengue fever and severe dengue
• Describe Japanese encephalitis (JE) transmission, prevention and common clinical features.
• Describe ross river virus (RRV) transmission, prevention and common clinical features
• Explain the reasons for concern about Zika virus.

Mosquito Vectors

• what is a vector?
• what is an animal reservoir?
• what are 3 important mosquito vectors?

Malaria

• what mosquito vector transmits it?
• what pathogens cause malaria (5 species)?
• describe the malaria lifecycle? what stages can be targeted by medicine?
• at what stage do people develop symptoms?
• how is it diagnosed?