Vector Born Diseases and Epidemiology

Vector-borne illnesses continue to be among the most significant public health issues of the 21st century, especially in the tropics and subtropics where climatic, ecological, and socio- economic conditions come together to enable the spread of these infections. Conditions like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, leishmaniasis, and Japanese encephalitis continue to kill millions of people or result in major morbidity annually, exerting serious pressures on healthcare systems and economies as well.

This book, “Vector-Borne Diseases and Epidemiology,” is an ambitious effort to understand the intricate interaction among vectors, pathogens, hosts, and environmental factors. The chief objective of this book is to equip students, researchers, public health workers, and policy-makers with a sound grasp of the epidemiological patterns, transmission dynamics, control strategies, and latest scientific developments relating to vector- borne diseases.

The text is organized to cover core principles of medical entomology and disease ecology first, followed by comprehensive chapters on key vector-borne diseases, their clinical presentations, diagnostic tests, prevention methods, and worldwide and regional case studies. Specific focus has been given to the impact of climate change, urbanization, and globalization on modifying disease patterns and vector habitats.

This book would not have been written without the efforts of thousands of researchers, frontline health workers, and institutions whose work on vector control and epidemiological investigation has contributed significantly to our understanding. It is hoped that the book will both serve as an academic guide as well as a practical manual to all those dedicated to learning about and fighting vector-borne diseases.