Anopheles stephensi Found in Marsabit, Kenya

Mar 6, 2023

The migration of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species, threatens to redefine malaria in Africa.

Transcript

Malaria in Africa is mainly rural, and peaks during the rainy season. The primary culprit is  Africa’s main malaria vector: Anopheles gambiae. But another malaria vector – called Anopheles stephensi – is making its way into the continent from SE Asia. Anopheles stephensi can transmit malaria in both rural and urban settings, and breed in small volumes of water. Because it’s not dependent on rainfall, it can transmit the disease year-round. It can even transmit Plasmodium vivax malaria – a form of the disease that can relapse. In one study in Kenya last year, 16 out of the 55 mosquitoes captured were Anopheles stephensi. Almost a third. So just how much of a threat is Anopheles stephensi – and what can be done? Listen next time on Malaria Minute Extended.

Source

Anopheles stephensi in Kenya: potentially substantial threat to malaria transmission in urban and rural areas (Evidence Brief from Kenya Medical Research Institute)

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The Johns Hopkins Malaria Minute podcast is produced by the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute to highlight impactful malaria research and to share it with the global community.