Insects that can transmit diseases to human are referred to as

Insects that transmit infectious agents from one host to another are scientifically referred to as vectors [1]. In epidemiology, a disease vector is any living agent that carries and transmits a pathogen, such as a parasite or microbe, to another living organism [6]. These vectors are frequently arthropods, including mosquitoes, ticks, flies, fleas, and lice [3]. They can function as biological vectors, where the pathogen multiplies within their bodies, or as mechanical vectors, where they physically transport germs on their body surfaces [5]. While 'carriers' are typically infected individuals (humans) who can spread disease, and 'reservoirs' are the primary hosts or environments where pathogens live and multiply [4], 'vectors' specifically describe the intermediary organisms, like insects, that facilitate the transmission process [2].

Sources

1. [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure > 3.4.1 How are communicable diseases caused and spread? > p. 33
2. [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease_vector
3. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/insect-borne-diseases
4. [5] https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/csels/dsepd/ss1978/lesson1/section10.html
5. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7442119/
6. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 17: Contemporary Issues > Transmission > p. 25