Influenza is not a vector-borne disease, meaning it is not transmitted to humans indirectly via an insect, an arthropod, or another animal. Malaria and yellow fever are transmitted by mosquitoes. Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks.

Influenza is not a vector-borne disease, meaning it is not transmitted to humans indirectly via an insect, an arthropod, or another animal. Malaria and yellow fever are transmitted by mosquitoes. Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks.

Influenza is not a vector-borne disease, meaning it is not transmitted to humans indirectly via an insect, an arthropod, or another animal. Malaria and yellow fever are transmitted by mosquitoes. Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks.

The United States imports more than 80 percent of its fish and seafood. About 20 percent of its fresh vegetables and 50 percent of its fresh fruits are imported. As wealthy nations demand such foods year-round, the increasing reliance on producers abroad means that food may be contaminated during harvesting, storage, processing, and transport—long before it reaches overseas markets.    

The United States imports more than 80 percent of its fish and seafood. About 20 percent of its fresh vegetables and 50 percent of its fresh fruits are imported. As wealthy nations demand such foods year-round, the increasing reliance on producers abroad means that food may be contaminated during harvesting, storage, processing, and transport—long before it reaches overseas markets.    

The gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest countries now exceeds 40 years.

The gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest countries now exceeds 40 years.

The gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest countries now exceeds 40 years.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes more than 90% of cervical cancer cases.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes more than 90% of cervical cancer cases.

White blood cells are not a type of infectious agent. Part of the immune system, white blood cells fight infection rather than cause it. 

White blood cells are not a type of infectious agent. Part of the immune system, white blood cells fight infection rather than cause it. 

White blood cells are not a type of infectious agent. Part of the immune system, white blood cells fight infection rather than cause it. 

Scientists believe that hot weather may speed up both the breeding cycle of mosquitoes and replication of the virus in insects’ guts.

The 2009 “swine flu” pandemic starkly illustrated the impact of globalization and air travel on the movement of infectious diseases—with the infection spreading to 30 countries within six weeks and to more than 190 countries and territories within months.

The 2009 “swine flu” pandemic starkly illustrated the impact of globalization and air travel on the movement of infectious diseases—with the infection spreading to 30 countries within six weeks and to more than 190 countries and territories within months.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. The common cold and influenza are both viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics. Antivirals may be prescribed instead.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. The common cold and influenza are both viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics. Antivirals may be prescribed instead.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. The common cold and influenza are both viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics. Antivirals may be prescribed instead.

About ten trillion microbes live in the human gastrointestinal tract. They are essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

About ten trillion microbes live in the human gastrointestinal tract. They are essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

About ten trillion microbes live in the human gastrointestinal tract. They are essential for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.