Understand the concept of vector-borne diseases: These are illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted to humans or animals by vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas. Examples include malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease.
Recognize the role of climate change: Climate change alters environmental conditions, such as temperature, rainfall, and humidity, which directly impact the survival, reproduction, and geographic range of vectors.
Analyze the effect of warmer temperatures: Warmer temperatures can expand the geographic range of vectors, allowing them to thrive in areas that were previously too cold. Additionally, higher temperatures can accelerate the life cycle of vectors, increasing their population and breeding season.
Evaluate the impact of rainfall: Increased rainfall can create more standing water, which serves as breeding grounds for vectors like mosquitoes. However, excessive rainfall may wash away vector populations in certain cases, but this is not always the outcome.
Conclude why climate change increases vector-borne diseases: The expansion of vector habitats and breeding seasons due to warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns leads to higher transmission rates of vector-borne diseases.