New Malaria Vector may make Treatment, Eradication Difficult, Experts Warn
Public health experts have called for more proactive actions against a new malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, warning that it could make malaria control and management more difficult in the country
The new malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi was first identified in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan.
According to a study published in BMC Parasites and Vectors, Anopheles stephensi is an invasive disease vector that is originally endemic in Asia and competent in transmitting both malaria parasites – Plasmodium falciparum and P. Vivax.
The study titled, Emergence of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in Khartoum State, Central Sudan revealed that it has recently invaded Africa with Djibouti and Ethiopia being the first countries of invasion.
The World Health Organisation has also stated that the African region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden.
In 2021, Africa was home to 95 per cent of malaria cases and 96 per cent of malaria deaths with children under 5 accounting for about 80 per cent of all malaria deaths in the region.
Data from WHO also revealed that there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in 2020. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 619,000 in 2021 compared to 625 000 in 2020.
Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise, the experts, Prof. Wellington Oyibo and a public health entomologist, Dr. Adedapo Adeogun said the government must make efforts to protect the country from being invaded by this newly identified malaria vector as the country contends with managing malaria.
Oyibo, who is a Tropical Disease Specialist fears that the malaria vector, which is of Asian origin might have found its way into Nigeria mainly due to international travels where the mosquitoes hide in cargo and goods that were continually moved into the country over years.
Oyibo added that another factor that could support their ability to thrive and develop in the Nigerian environment could be climate change.
Due to the strong characteristics of the vector, Oyibo says proactive measures must be taken to guard against it.
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He said, “the fear of the new vector is real because of its well-studied characteristics!
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“It is a strong, aggressive and determined species of Anopheles mosquitoes that could breed and survive in many places where others may not survive.
“It uses every opportunity to get to humans. In addition, where the possibilities exist, it could transmit other species of Malaria such as Plasmodium vivax that could cause relapsing malaria.
“This will be in addition to other species, including other dangerous species such as Plasmodium falciparum. We can have a lot in our hands in terms of managing the situation,” he said.
Also speaking with PUNCH HelthWise, Adeogun added that the emergency of the new vector could make malaria eradication and prevention more difficult in the country.
This, he said, is because this vector does not behave like other malaria vectors, therefore, making its control very difficult.
He noted that as this vector is known as an urban mosquito, it means that “it’s taking malaria transmission to the cities and not more in the rural areas like it used to be.”
Despite the fears, the entomologist says the mode of prevention of this virus is still the same as has been in place.
“One of the best methods to prevent this vector from biting one is for individuals to ensure that they don’t have uncovered stagnant water in their garden (water in containers, abandoned tires etc).
“Make sure ornamental plants are properly monitored for water trapped in them, cover their overhead tanks and abandoned puts and soakaways should be properly monitored and treated.
“Also, ensure that animal shelters (like dog houses) within the compound are sprayed with the right public health insecticides.”
The expert called for more research into policies to map the country and identify threats and contain the threats as well.
This, he added, is in addition to calls for continuous support for surveillance and containment.
“Furthermore, this surveillance should include tracking of the Malaria Parasites in these areas given the fact that Plasmodium vivax has been reported in some parts of the country,” Oyibo said.
