Abstract

Insects have an infinite talent to annoy, and as vectors of disease they have had a decisive effect on human affairs, determining the fates of cities and armies, religions and nations. The outbreak of bubonic plague in Europe during the 14th century is considered an important contributor to the demise of feudalism. Convocations of the College of Cardinals in Rome were regularly disrupted by mortality from the mal aria (literally, the 'bad air') of the Pontine Marshes. Napoleon lured an English army into the malarial swamps of Les Pays-Bas (The Netherlands) to effect a famous victory. In history, vectorborne diseases have been the constant and unwanted companions of new settlers, the adventurous, the poor, and marching armies and pilgrims.