Stopping the Spread of Disease
In sub-Saharan areas of Africa, and parts of Yemen, southern Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and along the Amazon in Brazil, nearly 18 million people are infected with river blindness. The technical term for this disease is “onchocerciasis,” and it is spread though the bite of female black flies. These flies breed in swiftly flowing streams. Tourists to these areas usually do not get river blindness because many bites are needed for a person to become infected. To avoid getting river blindness, people need to stay away from areas with rushing streams. However, many villagers need water to grow crops. It is part of their livelihood.
Entomologists at pharmaceutical companies such as Merck & Co., Inc., are working to end the spread of river blindness. Scientists at Merck have developed drugs for this purpose, specifically one called Mectizan, that the company is distributing to the affected areas of the world.
Another American company is working in Africa, this one to stop the spread of malaria, which is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. Buzz Off Insect Shield has created several different clothing lines that incorporate insect repellents in its products. The North Carolina — based company is working with MENTOR, an NGO (nongovernmental organization) based in the United Kingdom, to provide disease control and technical and operational support in emergencies and recovery crises.
It was veterinary entomologists who proved that insects can transmit disease. Their discoveries launched research to control typhus, malaria, bubonic plague, and yellow fever. Their work has helped many animals and people.
Laura Hendrix, Buzz Off Insect Shield director of global health initiatives, is currently working with MENTOR's malaria-control project on-site in the Busia District in Africa. As director, she will promote community awareness of malaria prevention and treatment methods. She will also assist other workers in incorporating Buzz Off Insect Shield in the local native dress,
Medical entomologists can work for private pharmaceutical companies as well as federal, state, and local health departments. Raun worked as a consultant for his local and state health departments. He would often inspect livestock and food supplies that come from other states or countries. Some days he could be found at his local airport inspecting large shipments of grain that were stored there before being allowed into the state or country. If he deemed these products safe, he would give the okay.
Other entomologists, such as the ones who work for Merck and Buzz Off, can divide their time between an office at a research laboratory in their home state and in foreign countries distributing medications, taking samples and surveys for research, and educating local populations on pest control.
According to the Mayo Clinic, many germs rely on insect carriers. The common insect carriers are mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and ticks. These insects move from host to host, usually living in close quarters. Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus. Deer ticks can cause Lyme disease. These insect carriers are called vectors. The disease is spread when an infected vector bites or stings you.
