Anopheles Stephensi: Deadly new mosquito In African Cities

Anopheles Stephensi, a deadly and invasive new mosquito discovered in African cities now threatens gains made in the fight against malaria.

This type of mosquito is dangerous because of its ability to find clean water to lay its eggs within urban centers.

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center say that this Asian mosquito is now present in many Places in Africa.

Scientists are already predicting that about 125million city inhabitants will be at risk from this Asian mosquito.

While malaria is considered to be a mostly rural disease, this new mosquito seeks to change the demographic. Subsequently, the Mosquito seems to have found a fortress in Sudan, Djibouti and Ethiopia according to researchers.

According to research, Malaria is transmitted by the bite of a female mosquito and killed 409,000 people in 2019. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 94% of malaria and deaths by the same occur within the African region.

Mr. Teum Bousema, a professor of epidemiology says they were surprised at how susceptible this mosquito is to local malaria. The mosquito seems to be a super spreader, most efficient of the two species of malaria.

Researchers via the journal emerging infectious diseases warned that drastic action has to be taken to stop the spread.

The mosquito larvae must be targeted where they now occur, in airports and sea ports to prevent long distance spreading. This is according to Mr. Fitsam Tedesse, a doctoral student at Radboud University Medical Center.

Jo Lines, a professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that the discovery was remarkable. However the mosquitos need to be exterminated when new to avoid establishing themselves.

He gave the example of the Asian tiger mosquito which was once regional and is now invading northern Europe. With this warning early action is required to eliminate the problem before it takes a foothold.