Which of the following adult mosquitoes and larvae should be eradicated to prevent Zika virus disease?

DSSSB October 2024

Community Health Nursing (E5)

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted primarily by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
These mosquitoes typically bite during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
Prevention of Zika virus disease relies heavily on vector control, which involves eradicating adult mosquitoes and their larvae by eliminating breeding sites.
Since there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika, vector control is the most effective public health strategy.

Option B: Xenopsylla is a genus of fleas, not mosquitoes. Fleas are insects, but they are vectors for different diseases.
Option C: The Anopheles mosquito is the primary vector for malaria, a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species, not the Zika virus.
Option D: The Culex mosquito genus transmits several viral diseases, including West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis, as well as lymphatic filariasis, but it is not the primary vector for the Zika virus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Vector identification for Zika virus prevention helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in public health by educating communities about vector control measures, such as eliminating stagnant water sources to prevent mosquito breeding.
When assessing patients with fever and rash, especially those who have recently traveled, nurses must consider mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya and inquire about travel history.
Pregnant women are a high-risk group for Zika due to the risk of congenital microcephaly. Nurses must provide targeted counseling on prevention strategies to expectant mothers in or traveling to affected areas.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question: the specific vector for 'Zika virus disease'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base about major vector-borne diseases.
Recall that Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya are all primarily transmitted by the same type of mosquito.
Evaluate the options: Aedes is known for transmitting Zika. Anopheles is famous for malaria. Culex is linked to West Nile Virus. Xenopsylla is a flea, not a mosquito.
Based on this differentiation, select Aedes as the correct vector for Zika virus.
Confirm your choice by remembering that public health campaigns for Zika focus on eliminating small containers of water where Aedes mosquitoes breed.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 137-139

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 87-89

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1709-1711