Mozzie Species in Africa

Do All Mosquitoes Spread Malaria in Africa?

There are 3 main malaria-spreading species in Africa. There are other localised mosquito species that spread malaria. These, however, are the big three! Only female adult mosquitoes spread this severe disease. Malaria does not need to be fatal. Ask your doctor about preventive drugs before visiting any malarial hotspots in Africa.

3 Key Species of Mosquitoes that Are Malaria Vectors in Africa

1. 1. Anopheles gambiae
2. 2. Anopheles funestus
3. 3. The Anopheles arabiensis

• • Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus live in many African countries. The places where these two species are especially problematic are high-rainfall areas. Anopheles arabiensis is endemic in the more arid, savanna areas.
• • Anopheles gambiae and the Anopheles funestus group prefer feeding indoors. Humans are the perfect blood meal for female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• • Arabiensis feeds both indoors and outdoors. This species also does not only feed on humans. It feeds on cattle and other animals, too.
• • Control measures of gambiae and funestus include using repellents. Spraying insecticides and wearing Mozzie Patches are all effective malaria control efforts. It's advisable to sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
• • Take precautions against mosquito bites wherever possible. This is especially important when visiting a country with risk. Outdoor arabiensis is difficult to keep in check.
• • Mosquitoes tend to bite when humans are in their deepest sleep. Disturbance of mosquito feeding in the early hours of the morning is less likely.
• • There are other mosquito species besides the ones mentioned above that can also transmit the malarial virus infection. Many species are more localised.
• • If you suspect you have a malaria infection, seek advice. You need to consult a health care provider immediately.
• • Preventing the risk of infection is advisable. Get a reliable supply of repellents before travelling through parts of South Africa and Africa.

6 Frequently Asked Questions About Malaria

1. 1. Why is Malaria Common on the Continent of Africa?

   The Anopheles gambiae mosquito spreads malaria throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. The most common malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, causes severe and sometimes fatal malaria.

   One of the reasons why malaria poses such a threat is a lack of money. Political instability is another. These, amongst others, hamper public health programmes. A lack of resources is hampering sustainable malarial public health programmes.

2. 2. Do All Mosquitoes Spread Malaria?

   Entomologists have identified more than 2,000 different species across the globe. Only the females Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria. The Anopheles males are benign. Male mosquitoes don't feed on blood. They feed on nectar.

3. 3. Is There a Vaccine for Malaria?

   Clinical trials for an effective vaccine are ongoing. Scientists are hard at work on creating routine vaccines for all.

   The life cycle of the malaria parasite is complex. The human malaria parasite has a complicated life cycle. The parasite evades the immune system. The female vector spreads the disease from one infected host to the next.

   Malarial deaths are still prevalent in Africa, although big strides are being made to reduce and eradicate the risk of malaria altogether. The life cycle of the vector is constantly changing, making it difficult to produce a malarial vaccine.

   Fighting malaria is a losing battle. Travellers are encouraged to take effective protections. Ask your doctor about antimalarial drugs. Use repellents wherever possible.

4. 4. When Do Mosquitoes Take Their Blood Meal?

   Female anophelines usually take their first blood meal at dusk or dawn. After feeding, they lay eggs inside water containers.
   • • Females can survive without eating for up to 10 days.
   • • Males die after mating with many partners.
   • • Female anophelines need 4 - 8 blood meals per week.
   • • Each time she takes her blood meal, she lays around 100 eggs.
   • • She needs to mate again within 24 hours.
   • • If she doesn't get fed regularly, she will stop laying eggs.

5. 5. How Does the Female Mosquito Malaria Spread?

   Hosts, when bitten, are infected by the vector-carrying female. The female Anopheles mosquito is responsible for spreading this mosquito-borne disease from one host to the next.

When an infected person is bitten by the mosquito, a tiny amount of blood containing microscopic malarial parasites is ingested. The parasites are injected into a host when the mosquito next feeds.

6. 6. Can Malaria Transmission Take Place Through Transfusions and Transplants?

   The malarial parasite lives in the red blood cells of the infected person. Malaria is spread through blood transfusions, shared needles, and organ transplants. Prevent the risk of malaria spreading by avoiding the above.

Why Choose Natural Repellents Like Mozzie Patches?

If you are planning a visit to countries on the African continent, it is important to take your health seriously. Governments are making great efforts to control contracting malaria in South Africa and the continent.

Seek medical attention the minute you suspect you have malaria. Malaria deaths are avoidable and preventable. Malaria is an infectious disease controlled with the right drugs. Seek proper medical care if you suspect you have malaria.

Use repellents, take the right meds, and stock up on Mozzie Skin Patches to keep bugs in check when travelling on the African continent.