A concerning rise in malaria infections in Africa is being attributed to a newly identified mosquito species called Anopheles stephensi, colloquially known as “steve.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that this mosquito, originating from South Asia, has been found in seven African countries, including Djibouti where it was first detected in 2012.
Since then, malaria rates in Djibouti have surged, and the mosquito has spread to Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Unlike other mosquitoes that breed in aquatic environments, “steve” is an urban breeder thriving in dry areas, requiring minimal moisture found in containers, tires, and gutters to survive.
Notably, it bites outdoors during the day and is resistant to commonly used pesticides.
Dr. Dorothy Achu, WHO lead for tropical diseases in Africa, emphasizes the threat posed by this mosquito, particularly in urban settings, challenging current indoor-focused strategies.
She highlights the difficulty in detecting and eliminating “steve” due to its resilience in harsh climates.
Source-BBC
