Geography – Disease and geography | e-Consult
Disease and geography (1 questions)
Diseases can be broadly categorised into three main types: infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, and genetic disorders.
1. Infectious Diseases
These are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They are transmissible from one individual to another, either directly or indirectly.
- Bacterial Infections: Caused by bacteria (e.g., tuberculosis, cholera). Often spread through poor sanitation and contaminated water.
- Viral Infections: Caused by viruses (e.g., influenza, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19). Spread through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, or vectors.
- Fungal Infections: Caused by fungi (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm). Often spread through contact.
- Parasitic Infections: Caused by parasites (e.g., malaria, schistosomiasis). Spread through vectors (e.g., mosquitoes, snails) or contaminated food/water.
Factors influencing distribution: Climate (e.g., malaria thrives in warm, humid climates), population density (higher density facilitates transmission), sanitation levels (poor sanitation increases risk of waterborne diseases), travel and trade (facilitates rapid spread), and vector distribution (e.g., mosquito distribution for malaria).
2. Non-Infectious Diseases
These are not caused by pathogens but are typically linked to lifestyle, genetics, or environmental factors.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Heart disease and stroke, often linked to diet, smoking, and lack of exercise.
- Cancers: Uncontrolled cell growth, influenced by genetics, lifestyle (smoking, diet), and environmental factors (e.g., pollution).
- Respiratory Diseases: Asthma, bronchitis, COPD, often linked to air pollution and allergens.
- Diabetes: Problems with blood sugar regulation, linked to genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
Factors influencing distribution: Dietary habits, smoking prevalence, levels of air pollution, access to healthcare, and genetic predispositions.
3. Genetic Disorders
Caused by abnormalities in an individual's genetic makeup. These are often inherited.
- Cystic Fibrosis: Affects the lungs and digestive system.
- Down Syndrome: Caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: Affects red blood cells.
Factors influencing distribution: Inheritance patterns (often linked to specific populations), and limited impact of environmental factors.