ecological hazards

Question 1

Infectious Disease:

Answer 1

COVID-19
Cause: SARS-CoV-2 virus
Transmission: Respiratory droplets, close contact, contaminated surfaces
Impact: Global pandemic, high morbidity and mortality, overwhelmed healthcare systems
Prevention: Vaccination, social distancing, wearing masks, hand hygien

Question 2

Animal-Transmitted

Answer 2

Rabies
Cause: Rabies virus
Transmission: Bites or scratches from infected animals, primarily dogs and bats
Impact: Fatal once symptoms appear, affects the central nervous system
Prevention: Vaccination of pets, avoiding contact with wild animals, post-exposure prophylaxis

Question 3

Water-Borne Disease

Answer 3

Cholera
Cause: Vibrio cholerae bacteria
Transmission: Contaminated water or food
Impact: Severe diarrhea and dehydration, can be fatal without treatment
Prevention: Access to clean water, proper sanitation, hygiene education, oral cholera vaccines

Question 4

Animal Invasion

Answer 4

Cane Toads in Australia
Cause: Introduction of non-native species for pest control
Impact: Poisonous to native predators, competition with native species, ecological imbalance
Management: Population control measures, public awareness campaigns, research on biological control

Question 5

Chemical Hazards

Answer 5

Pesticide Pollution
Cause: Agricultural use of chemical pesticides
Impact: Bioaccumulation in food chains, harmful effects on wildlife and humans, contamination of soil and water
Prevention: Regulation and reduction of pesticide use, promotion of organic farming, development of safer alternatives