Final answer:
Flaviviruses are predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America and Africa, particularly associated with yellow fever. The disease has been largely eradicated in the US but persists in other regions and could potentially resurge. Mosquito vectors like Aedes aegypti are key in the transmission and geographical spread of diseases caused by the Flavivirus genus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flaviviruses are most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas of South America and Africa. One of the diseases caused by this group of viruses is yellow fever, which is transmitted by mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegypti in urban environments and Aedes africanus or Haemagogus spp. in jungle regions.
In the past, yellow fever was a significant problem in the United States, with large outbreaks occurring between 1700 and 1900. Vector control and vaccination programs have eliminated this disease in the US, mainly through the use of the insecticide DDT and effective vaccination efforts.
The current situation, however, indicates a potential risk for the resurgence of yellow fever due to dense urban cities in Africa and South America, coupled with a globalized society and the presence of Aedes aegypti in North America. Furthermore, other viral diseases such as chikungunya fever and malaria show the importance of the mosquito vector in determining the geographical distribution of these infections.
With the prevalence of these mosquitoes in certain regions, complete eradication of the diseases they transmit, such as arboviral encephalitis viruses, is unlikely.