NTD's

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 The term Neglected Transmitted Diseases (NDTs) provides a more accurate and inclusive designation than “Neglected Tropical Diseases.” While these diseases were once primarily associated with tropical regions, they have now spread globally due to climate change, urbanization, and increased human mobility. By replacing “tropical” with “transmitted,” we shift the focus from geography to the true nature of these diseases—their mode of transmission. This refined terminology better reflects the evolving global health landscape and emphasizes the need for targeted vector control and prevention strategies.  Today we find them and have been establish on the four continets.  

Mosquitoes serve as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, posing significant global health risks. Below is a comprehensive list of major mosquito-borne illnesses and their primary effects:

1. Malaria

• Pathogen:     Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae,      P. knowlesi) 
• Effects:     High fever, chills, anemia, and severe complications such as cerebral      malaria, which can be fatal if untreated. 

2. Dengue Fever

• Pathogen:     Dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) 
• Effects:     Intense fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, and      internal bleeding. 

3. Zika Virus

• Pathogen:     Zika virus 
• Effects:     Mild fever, conjunctivitis, joint pain, and in pregnant women, severe      congenital disabilities such as microcephaly. 

4. Chikungunya

• Pathogen:     Chikungunya virus 
• Effects:     Sudden high fever, excruciating joint pain, nausea, rash, and persistent      fatigue. 

5. West Nile Virus

• Pathogen:     West Nile virus 
• Effects:     Fever, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, neurological      disorders like encephalitis or meningitis. 

6. Yellow Fever

• Pathogen:     Yellow fever virus 
• Effects:     High fever, jaundice, hemorrhagic symptoms, multi-organ failure, and death      in severe cases. 

7. Japanese Encephalitis

• Pathogen:     Japanese encephalitis virus 
• Effects:     Fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, neurological impairments, and      potential fatality. 

8. Rift Valley Fever

• Pathogen:     Rift Valley fever virus 
• Effects:     Flu-like symptoms, dizziness, vision impairment, and in severe cases,      hemorrhagic fever or encephalitis. 

9. La Crosse Encephalitis

• Pathogen:     La Crosse virus 
• Effects:     Fever, vomiting, neurological complications, seizures, and long-term      cognitive impairment. 

10. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

• Pathogen:     Eastern equine encephalitis virus 
• Effects:     Fever, chills, severe neurological damage, coma, and high mortality rates.      

11. Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE)

• Pathogen:     Western equine encephalitis virus 
• Effects:     Nausea, confusion, neurological symptoms, and potential fatality. 

12. St. Louis Encephalitis

• Pathogen:     St. Louis encephalitis virus 
• Effects:     Fever, dizziness, encephalitis, and in severe cases, paralysis and      cognitive decline. 

13. Filariasis

• Pathogen:     Thread-like nematodes (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia      timori) 
• Effects:     Chronic lymphatic dysfunction, severe swelling (elephantiasis), and      progressive disability. 

Primary Mosquito Vectors and Their Associated Diseases:

• Anopheles     mosquitoes: Malaria, Filariasis 
• Aedes     mosquitoes: Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever 
• Culex     mosquitoes: West Nile Virus, Japanese Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis      

Through continuous research and technological advancements, Diastec remains committed to combating these global health threats with innovative and sustainable solutions.