Las enfermedades tropicales son enfermedades infecciosas que son prevalentes en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Las enfermedades son menos prevalentes en climas templados, debido en parte a la ocurrencia de una estación fría que controla la población de insectos al forzarlos a hibernar. Insectos tales como los mosquitos y las moscas son de lejos los portadores de enfermedades o "vectores" más comunes. Estos insectos pueden transportar un parásito, una bacteria o un virus que es infecciosa para los seres humanos y los animales. Frecuentemente, la enfermedad es transmitida por la picadura de un insecto que ocasiona la transmisión del agente infeccioso por medio de intercambio subcutáneo de sangre. La exploración de selvas tropicales, la deforestación y creciente inmigración y tráfico aéreo internacional ha llevado a una incidencia progresivamente globalizada de tales enfermedades.

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Tropical diseases are diseases that are prevalent in or unique to tropical and subtropical regions. The diseases are less prevalent in temperate climates, due in part to the occurrence of a cold season, which controls the insect population by forcing hibernation. However, many were present in northern Europe and northern America in the 17th and 18th centuries before modern understanding of disease causation. The initial impetus for tropical medicine was to protect the health of colonialists, notably in India under the British Raj. Insects such as mosquitoes and flies are by far the most common disease carrier, or vector. These insects may carry a parasite, bacterium or virus that is infectious to humans and animals. Most often disease is transmitted by an insect "bite", which causes transmission of the infectious agent through subcutaneous blood exchange. Vaccines are not available for most of the diseases listed here, and many do not have cures. Human exploration of tropical rainforests, deforestation, rising immigration and increased international air travel and other tourism to tropical regions has led to an increased incidence of such diseases.

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