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Malaria Mosquito Invades Africa: Insecticide Resistance Confirmed
4 Aug
Summary
- Invasive malaria mosquito is insecticide-resistant, thriving in cities.
- The mosquito, Anopheles stephensi, has spread rapidly across Africa.
- Experts fear it's too late to contain or eliminate this new threat.
An invasive mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, which carries malaria and is resistant to insecticides, has spread across Africa at an alarming rate. Initially arriving in Djibouti more than a decade ago, it has now moved westward to Ghana and southward through Kenya. Genomic analysis of specimens from 10 countries revealed that the African populations possess genetic resistance to all currently used insecticides, rendering control efforts ineffective.
Unlike historical malaria vectors in Africa, Anopheles stephensi thrives in urban settings and is not limited by dry seasons. This adaptability means malaria could become a severe problem in megacities such as Lagos and Kinshasa, home to millions. Public health experts express pessimism about containing or eliminating this resilient mosquito, suggesting the threat is now widespread and difficult to manage.
