GED Science TestLife ScienceMedium
A public health official is investigating a sudden increase in cases of a mosquito-borne illness in a rural community. To control the spread of the disease, the official proposes a strategy that involves introducing sterile male mosquitoes into the population. This approach aims to reduce the reproductive success of the disease-carrying mosquito species. This strategy is an example of which type of disease control?
- AAntiviral treatment
- BVaccination program
- CQuarantine measures
- DVector control
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Vector control
Vector control refers to any method used to limit or eradicate the populations of disease-carrying organisms (vectors), such as mosquitoes. Introducing sterile males directly targets the mosquito population's ability to reproduce, thereby controlling the vector.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Antiviral treatment targets the pathogen within an infected host, not the vector.
- B. Vaccination programs target the susceptible host, not the vector.
- C. Quarantine measures isolate infected individuals to prevent human-to-human transmission, not to control the mosquito population.
Vector Control
Methods used to reduce or eliminate populations of disease-carrying organisms (vectors), such as insects or rodents, to prevent the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
- Targets the disease transmitter, not the pathogen or host.
- Examples: insecticide spraying, habitat modification, sterile insect technique.
- Crucial for diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika.
Memory trick: Host, Pathogen, Vector, Environment – Break the Chain.