Part 1: Summary
Many tropical diseases are vector-borne. These vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and cause more than 1 million deaths annually. With informed protective measures, many vector-borne diseases are preventable. See the chart below for some of the most common vector-borne diseases (1,2):
Please see the following link for more WHO fact sheets regarding infectious diseases.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an example of disease that is not vector-borne, but is of significant importance in developing regions. In 2013, most cases occurred in Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Regions, but there was the greatest proportion of new cases per population in Africa. The bacterial disease is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with symptoms of cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. (3)
Figure 1. X-ray image of TB-infected lungs
While one-third of the global population has latent TB, it is only transmissible by air from an individual displaying symptoms. The lifetime risk of sickness from TB is 10% among people who are infected. Young adults, particularly those who are immunocompromised are at particular risk. TB also has strong implications for individuals who are HIV-positive; it is the leading cause of death for individuals with HIV. Active TB is treated with a standard six-month regimen of four antimicrobial drugs, which also serves to target multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Supervision by a medical professional is an important component of drug adherence and subsequent recovery. (3)
Part 2: Application to Greenhouses
The implications of these diseases on agriculture are multifaceted. The amount of productivity can be limited from disease. Some diseases only affect humans while others can also affect livestock. For example, tsetse flies can target both humans and animals and transmit trypanosomiasis (4). Trypanosomiasis risk affects the distribution of cattle, which thereby affects livestock integration in farms. If tsetse flies or mosquitoes are common, consider methods to prevent infection in order to limit the adverse impacts of diseases that they can transmit.
Part 3: Activity
Are you familiar with anyone who has had exposure to the diseases listed? Have you had experience being ill from tropical disease? How have these situations impacted agricultural production?
You must be logged in to post a comment.