Vector-borne diseases are caused by viruses, parasites, and bacteria that are transferred by vectors. Dengue, malaria, African human trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, and Japanese encephalitis kill millions of people each year.
These vector-borne diseases are most prevalent in subtropical and tropical regions and disparately affect the lowest-income societies. In many regions since 2014, large outbreaks of malaria, dengue, Zika, and yellow fever, have impacted populations, claimed a person’s life, and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Other diseases, including leishmaniasis, Chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis, cause chronic pain, mortality, stigma, and disability.
A comprehensive set of environmental, demographic, and social factors influence the distribution of vector-borne diseases.