The team manning our stall introduced plenty of young scientists to epidemic diseases and the vectors that carry the diseases, with the help of a microscope and a variety of specimens. Children had the chance to spot the difference between male and female mosquitos and discuss the diseases that they carry and to inspect a range of ticks which carry many different bacteria that can infect both animals and humans. The largest tick on show was a very large South African boat tick, which drew a lot of attention!
Attendees were also able to use laboratory methods to diagnose an infectious disease. Our visitors assessed patient samples to determine whether or not the patient was infected. It was an exciting new challenge for our younger guests, who were rewarded with themed stickers to prove their scientific credentials.