Insects and Public Health: A Comprehensive Review

Insects play a pivotal role in global ecosystems, with the Arthropoda phylum alone comprising a staggering 1,242,040 species, making up 80% of the Animalia kingdom. Insects, particularly those within the Insecta class, exhibit a diverse array of roles, from ecosystem maintenance to serving as vectors for various diseases. While insects contribute positively to ecosystems by decomposing nutrients, dispersing seeds, and controlling populations, they also pose threats to human health. WHO reports indicate that over 17% of infectious diseases are vector-borne, resulting in over 700,000 annual deaths. Mosquitoes, sandflies, fleas, ticks, and other blood-feeding parasites are key contributors to the spread of diseases like malaria, Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. The transmission of vector-borne diseases is influenced by factors such as breeding environments, population density, and urbanization. The global economic burden of invasive insects, accounting for goods, services, and health costs, exceeds $70.0 billion annually, with health costs alone surpassing $6.9 billion. Preventive measures are crucial, including vaccination, insect repellents, protective clothing, bed nets, tick checks, environmental management, and proper waste disposal. Educational campaigns, community engagement, and vector control programs are essential components of a comprehensive strategy. Prompt healthcare seeking after insect bites is vital for early diagnosis and effective treatment. The National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) in India addresses diseases like Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis. The GVCR, endorsed by the World Health Assembly, provides strategic guidance for reinforcing vector control globally, with the WHO Secretariat offering critical support. These initiatives exemplify collaborative efforts to combat and manage vector-borne diseases, safeguarding public health on a global scale.