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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...arn-scientists
New Asian mosquito could bring malaria to African cities, warn scientists
Unlike endemic species, An. stephensi is adapted to urban areas, putting another 126 million people in danger
Natalie Grover
Mon 14 Sep 2020 20.00 BST
Last modified on Mon 14 Sep 2020 20.01 BST
Already grappling with the highest incidence of malaria with more than 90% of global cases, Africa should be wary of an Asian mosquito species that has the potential to spread the disease into the continent’s urban areas – subjecting an additional 126 million people to risk – a new analysis suggests.
Unlike endemic mosquito species in Africa, which have made themselves at home in warm and wet climes in largely rural areas, this particular mosquito – An. stephensi – has made an appearance in African cities in recent years.
“This mosquito is unlike any other primary malaria vector found in Africa – it can live in urban areas that other species just don’t like,” said the lead author, Dr Marianne Sinka from the University of Oxford.
“As about 40% of Africa’s population live in urban areas, this means there are a lot of people who are currently protected by their environment that could become exposed – if the mosquito spreads.”
Unlike this species’ predecessors, which are usually unable to survive in polluted water, An. stephensi is highly adapted to finding man-made water tanks or containers to lay its eggs, with larval site habits similar to Aedes aegypti, the species responsible for outbreaks of yellow fever and Zika...
New Asian mosquito could bring malaria to African cities, warn scientists
Unlike endemic species, An. stephensi is adapted to urban areas, putting another 126 million people in danger
Natalie Grover
Mon 14 Sep 2020 20.00 BST
Last modified on Mon 14 Sep 2020 20.01 BST
Already grappling with the highest incidence of malaria with more than 90% of global cases, Africa should be wary of an Asian mosquito species that has the potential to spread the disease into the continent’s urban areas – subjecting an additional 126 million people to risk – a new analysis suggests.
Unlike endemic mosquito species in Africa, which have made themselves at home in warm and wet climes in largely rural areas, this particular mosquito – An. stephensi – has made an appearance in African cities in recent years.
“This mosquito is unlike any other primary malaria vector found in Africa – it can live in urban areas that other species just don’t like,” said the lead author, Dr Marianne Sinka from the University of Oxford.
“As about 40% of Africa’s population live in urban areas, this means there are a lot of people who are currently protected by their environment that could become exposed – if the mosquito spreads.”
Unlike this species’ predecessors, which are usually unable to survive in polluted water, An. stephensi is highly adapted to finding man-made water tanks or containers to lay its eggs, with larval site habits similar to Aedes aegypti, the species responsible for outbreaks of yellow fever and Zika...