Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Vector-borne diseases have impacted human lives and society through history. This introductory course examines the major vector-borne diseases affecting humans through multiple perspectives (biomedical, cultural, political, and social) on a global scale. Special attention will be paid to arthropod-borne diseases with the greatest impact on history such as mosquitoes, ticks, and lice. Lectures will be supplemented with readings and videos. The reasons why new pathogens emerge, and the risk of bio-terrorism and future outbreaks will also be addressed.

Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans. Vector-borne diseases have impacted human lives and society through history. This introductory course examines the major vector-borne diseases affecting humans through multiple perspectives (biomedical, cultural, political, and social) on a global scale. Special attention will be paid to arthropod-borne diseases with the greatest impact on history such as mosquitoes, ticks, and lice. Lectures will be supplemented with readings and videos. The reasons why new pathogens emerge, and the risk of bio-terrorism and future outbreaks will also be addressed.