Vector-borne diseases and vectors

What Is a Vector-Borne Disease?

A vector-borne disease is an infection transmitted to humans or animals by a vector. A vector is a living organism, such as a tick or mosquito, that can transmit an infectious agent through its bite.

Locally Transmitted and Imported Diseases

  • Vector-borne diseases can be classified as either locally transmitted, also known as autochthonous, or imported.
  • A locally transmitted disease is one that can be acquired within the country because both the vector and the infectious agent are present.
  • An imported disease is diagnosed in Luxembourg but was contracted abroad, most commonly while travelling in a region where the disease is circulating.
  • Some imported diseases may be subject to specific surveillance if a vector capable of transmitting them is present in Luxembourg.

Diseases Transmitted Locally

  • Borreliosis (Lyme disease)
  • Tularemia

Imported Diseases

  • Malaria
  • Dengue
  • Chikungunya
  • Zika virus disease
  • West Nile virus infection
  • Tick-borne encephalitis

Last update