New mosquito species that spread malaria fast found in Ghana
The Anopheles stephensi mosquito, a new species for Ghana, has been identified by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
In March, Tuba and Dansoman in the Greater Accra Region provided samples of the vector.
Because of this, the Service has established a task group to provide guidance and oversee initiatives including vector monitoring, community outreach, and coordination with WHO representatives to update the vector map.
WHO discovered the Anopheles stephensi in Africa in 2019.
But prior to then, it had been detected in 2011 in South Asia and other regions of the Arabian Peninsula.
Since then, the vector has been identified in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Somalia Nigeria, Yemen and now Ghana.
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The Anopheles stephensi is a unique vector known to breed in a myriad of sources such as ponds, swamps, marshes, artificial containers, and other man-made container spots. According to official information, it can practically breed in almost all water sources, some of which are not the traditional breeding sites of the common Anopheles species, particularly in urban areas. “It is known to spread fast and adapt to different climatic conditions posing challenges to its control.”
The Service is, therefore, entreating the general public to ensure removal of water collection points in and around their homes and communities to minimise the breeding sites for this new mosquito species and also cover all water containers to avoid breeding.
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Insecticide-treated nets as well as repellents have also been recommended for use.
“We wish to assure the public that the Ghana Health Service, together with all stakeholders, will work assiduously to curtail the impact of Anopheles stephensi,” a statement issued by the Director General of the Service, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said.
This comes in a week Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) approved a new malaria vaccine, R21, for use on children between five months and three years old.
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