A recently identified species of mosquito, colloquially known as “Steve” (scientifically Anopheles stephensi) is currently threatening the fight against mosquitoes in Africa.
Gatekeepers News reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) says “Steve” mosquito is causing a surge in malaria infections across the continent, and prompting growing public health concerns.
The “Steve” mosquito which originated from South Asia was first identified in Djibouti in 2012.
Since its initial detection, the country has experienced a staggering increase in malaria rates.
Subsequently, the mosquito has spread to seven African countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
“Steve” mosquito, which distinguishes itself from other mosquitoes that typically breed in rivers and swamps, is an urban breeder, thriving in dry environments.
Its ability to survive with minimal moisture, utilising water trapped in containers, tyres, and gutters, makes it particularly challenging to control.
In addition to the concern, this new species exhibits unique behaviours, such as biting outdoors during daylight hours and displaying immunity to commonly used pesticides.
WHO’s lead for tropical diseases in Africa, Dr. Dorothy Achu, emphasised the threat posed by “Steve” in urban settings, challenging current strategies primarily focused on indoor interventions.
Achu said the difficulty in detecting and eliminating this resilient mosquito from harsh climates, further complicating efforts to curb its impact on public health.
As the “Steve” mosquito continues to spread, health officials are grappling with the urgent need for innovative strategies to address this emerging threat to malaria control in Africa.
