“Malariamyggens new tactics – biting outdoors”
“Impregnated nets and mosquito repellent has received malaria to reduce drastically in Zanzibar. But the mosquitoes have changed tactics in order to survive.”
“They are outdoors and bites there,” says professor Anders Björkman.”
“A Swedish study has shown how malaria could greatly reduce the on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania since the turn of the millennium.”
“Anders Björkman, professor in the department of microbiology, tumor and cell biology at the Karolinska Institute has operated the research project, where two districts with 100 000 people in each followed during 18 years.”
” Together with malariakontrollprogrammet in Zanzibar, we have implemented strategies that have made that we have been able to reduce malariaförekomsten and malariasjukligheten with 96 to 98 percent. This with the help of existing tools such as the best medicines, the best diagnosis and the best impregnated myggnäten, he says to TT.”
“the Decline was greatest in 2003 and 2004, when new treatments were implemented in Zanzibar health facilities. In the rest of Africa has malariaförekomsten decreased to about half during the same period of time.”
“– We want to be able to show the world the historic opportunity to eradicate malaria from an area where it is so common, ” says Anders Björkman.”
“Avoid biting indoors”
“in 2015, slowed by the sharp decrease of the disease in Zanzibar. The new study can now show why. The vector control that are left have changed their behavior in order to survive.”
“– Mosquitoes often bite at night, indoors. Meet the impregnated mosquito net and when they should rest on the wall, they suffer from the poison that sprayats there. So the survivors have decided to stay outdoors and bite people, ” says Anders Björkman.”
“Scientists have also seen resistance to insect repellent including mosquitoes, and that people that carry malaria have not shown the classic symptoms and therefore goes under the radar.”
“Now the team develop new strategies to completely eradicate malaria in Zanzibar. Among other things, have the traps should be placed outdoors has begun to develop.”
“Malaria is a widespread disease in tropical and subtropical parts of the world and is spread via mosquitoes.”
“the most Common symptoms are recurring fever and chills every second or third day. Other symptoms can be nausea, headache, and muscle aches. A certain malariaart, P. falciparum, can lead to unconsciousness and shock. It is important, therefore early diagnosis and treatment.”
“The vast majority of deaths caused by malaria affecting children in Africa, but after great efforts since 2000, the deaths decreased significantly due to the increased use of mosquito nets, mosquito repellent, more effective treatment and better diagnostics.”
“In Sweden, reported a few hundred cases of malaria annually. All are infected abroad, most of them in Africa.”
“Source: Folkhälsomyndigheten”