Invasive mosquito spreads in East Africa, fueling malaria surge and challenging control efforts.

An invasive mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi, from South Asia and the Middle East, is thriving in East African cities, leading to a surge in malaria cases. This mosquito is resistant to insecticides, breeds in urban settings, and bites earlier in the evening, reducing the effectiveness of bed nets. The species has spread to several countries, threatening to reverse malaria control efforts. Djibouti is experimenting with genetically modified mosquitoes to combat the surge.

November 19, 2024
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