Anopheles M O S Q U I T O E S malaria
l e h p o n A Name
e a i b m a g s e
s m k e m e 6 w h 3 t g t c e Len s n i s g e n i o t t i i b u a q s s a o y t i m v r e g e d l Lon o y l n o e r u t a e f l a i c e Sp s r o t c e v e ar
Biology of the vector Only the female
bites, and especially during the night. This feeding on blood is essential for the development of eggs but is not necessary for the survival of the female. Adults of both sexes
feed on sweet plant juices.
Geographic distribution Distribution of malaria
Anopheles are found all
over the world
in zones including the cold temperate regions. However, a few isolated zones are
free of them: New Caledonia, the Seychelles and Polynesia.
Scientists are still discussing the reasons for these exceptions.
Strong transmission Weak transmission
Vector transmission Word Health Organization (WHO) estimates that malaria killed 600,000
lives annually. Deaths are mainly in tropical zones and particularly concern young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. This potentially deadly disease is caused by single-cell parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium.
Mosquitoes become contaminated by intake of the blood of an infected person. They reinject the parasite in their saliva into other humans during subsequent feeds. Plasmodium develops in the vector for about ten
days and so only old females can spread it.
Prevention and control Drugs are available but in spite of research eorts there is still no vaccine. Vector control is still the approach to be used: Apply repellents to the skin, wear clothes that cover the body well and use mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide TKill adult mosquitoes using insecticides
Dry out aquatic larval habitats to prevent the development of new generations
1 feed on blood = 200 eggs laid 5