Alice L. Anderson

Assistant Professor, Department of Health Education and Promotion, Environmental Health Program, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.

Abstract  

A selective review of recent concepts, events and major recent research methodologies, and educational approaches in the field of vector-borne disease are drawn together in this article. Since vector borne disease is a major contributor to world disease bur- dens, and also comprises list of neglected diseases, recent research in the field elucidates the uncertain and far-reaching consequences of these diseases to human health and well-being. Some of the specific findings included in this review are the following: Chickungunya virus disease range is changing as a result of global climate change; Tick-borne disease vaccinations are being pursued with the help of PCR techniques; the wide availability of remote sensing and ecology are providing habitat surveillance tools to improve predictability of risk areas; environmental health education approaches are incorporating community and cultural aspects to improve success and reduce risk.