Emergence of Invasive Malaria-Carrying Mosquitos Could Threaten Lives in Africa

Researchers revealed that an invasive Malaria-carrying Mosquitos was found in Africa that could threaten the lives of residents there.

According to the latest report, the Malaria-carrying mosquitos were said to be from Asia. The report noted that Africa recorded over 627,000 deaths in 2020, which is 95 percent of the total case of Malaria.

The report explained that Anopheles stephensi was discovered to be spreading in Africa, based on research in 2020. The same year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that over 73,000 cases of Anopheles stephensi were recorded.

With the rising concerns, the article pointed out that researchers found evidence of potential malaria-carrying mosquitos caused by Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia.

According to the Phys.org website, researchers presented the report to the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Malaria has been a pressing concern because of its impact on health and communities.

Furthermore, the article noted that the Anopheles stephensi mosquito found in India and Iran, could breed, especially in dry seasons. Other than Ethiopia, Anopheles stephensi was also found in Somalia.

To further analyze the outbreak, researchers investigated the reason. According to the report, molecular biologist Fitsum Girma Tadesse discovered that Anopheles stephensi contributed to the increase in malaria cases. Tadesse is also from Ethiopia's Armauer Hansen Research Institute.

The researchers explained that the mosquitos were found thriving in water containers and open water tanks that could help multiply their population.

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Moreover, the report noted that they discovered over 94 percent of households that could have the presence or emergence of the said mosquitos.

Malaria threat

While research and development have been ongoing to prevent malaria cases from spreading in Africa, it pointed out that the Anopheles stephensi could not be a threat in Africa.

However, the report emphasized that the maria-carrying mosquitos could threaten the Ethiopian residents.

The research suggested increased surveillance for the Anopheles stephensi, noting that it could cause health concerns for affected people in Africa.

Moreover, the research added that it would help investigate the main reason Malaria spread in Africa

WHO and Malaria

World Health Organization (WHO) explained that Malaria is transmitted from mosquito bites by Anopheles mosquitos. While it is curable, Malaria could pose a dangerous concern if there is no medical facility or equipment to manage it.

The WHO report added that over 241 million cases of Malaria were reported in 2020. The record was higher than in 2019 with 227 million cases worldwide.

The agency said it recorded 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths in Africa. Children in the affected areas also experienced the burden and toll of the disease.

On the other hand, most of the common symptoms of malaria cases are chills, fever, or headaches WHO explained that symptoms occur after 10 to 15 days of transmission from a mosquito bite. While it is preventable, Malaria could cause deaths if left untreated.

With the threat of Malaria, the World Health Organization has been coordinating with concerned agencies to urgently manage and address Malaria's health concerns.

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