Insects that carry germs

The idea

Insects such as mosquitos and houseflies that spread pathogens from one person to another are called vectors.

A tiny carrier

Malaria and dengue can spread even when the sick person never coughs on anybody. A small flying insect is involved.

What does the mosquito do in the spread of malaria?

• It carries the pathogen from one person to another
• It makes the pathogen from nothing
• It does nothing at all

Follow the insect

Tap Next step and follow the insect. Try the mosquito and the housefly.

Vectors

Insects such as mosquitos and houseflies that spread pathogens from one person to another are called vectors.

The pathogen causes the disease. The vector only carries it.

• Vector | What it spreads
• Mosquito | Malaria (caused by protozoa) and dengue (caused by a virus)
• Housefly | Pathogens, from one person to another

Notes

Vectors are insects such as mosquitos and houseflies that spread pathogens from one person to another.

• Pathogen | Vector
• Causes the disease | Carries the pathogen
• Protozoa that cause malaria | Mosquito

Check yourself

What are insects that spread pathogens called?

In malaria, which one is the pathogen?

Which of these is a vector?

• Vectors — correct. Yes. A vector carries pathogens from one person to another.
• Pathogens. A pathogen is the disease-causing organism. The insect is the vector.
• Antibiotics. An antibiotic is a medicine, not an insect.
• The protozoa — correct. Yes. Protozoa cause malaria.
• The mosquito. The mosquito is the vector. It carries the pathogen.
• The healthy person. A healthy person is not a pathogen.
• A housefly — correct. Yes. Houseflies spread pathogens from one person to another.
• A virus. A virus can be a pathogen. A vector is an insect that carries pathogens.
• A bacterium. A bacterium can be a pathogen. A vector is an insect that carries pathogens.