By Khalil Goodman
There is only one mosquito that can transmit malaria in Barbados and thankfully it is only found in one area on the island.
The mosquito, Anopheles aquasalis is one species of the 400 variants of the Anopheles mosquito. Of these only 40 can transmit the four different species of parasites known to cause malaria.
Ronald Chapman, Environmental Health Specialist with the Epidemiology Department in the Ministry of Health, explained yesterday that the Anopheles aquasalis prefers to live in water with a higher than average salt density in the water. Thus, for years they have only lived in the brackish water of the Graeme Hall Swamp.
Referencing Jamaica where over 100 cases were reported in the last month, Chapman noted that it is unclear what type of anopheles mosquito has caused the outbreak there, but noted that the species Anopheles gambiae is the type that is most known to transmit the dangerous malaria parasite plasmodium falciparum.
He disclosed that the few cases of malaria reported in Barbados have originated outside Barbados and no evidence of any of the four malaria parasites have been discovered. Chapman also revealed that the Anopheles aquasalis mosquito is distinct from the Aedes aegypti which spreads dengue and the culex which is more common, in that the latter two feed with their bodies perpendicular to the hosts, while the aquasalis feeds at a 45 degree angle and sometimes almost perpendicular.
Explaining, that since the mosquito needs a safe place to lay its eggs after ingesting a blood meal, Chapman explained that this would mean the mosquito could only travel back to the swamp, this would inhibit any long scale travel. Speaking to the media after presenting on vector control at a special seminar Strengthening the Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria, Chapman revealed that the Epidemiology department is dedicated to constant vigilance of the swamp. Chapman explained that should it be found that anyone has contracted malaria, it is first ascertained if they are residing near the area of the swamp. He explained that such a person would be evacuated from the area, to prevent the mosquito drinking from that host and thereby becoming a vector for the malaria parasite.
Chapman stated that along with constant dipping and testing of the water, cleaning of the area is undertaken and where larvae eating fish are depleted, the department replenishes the fish community.
Source:http://www.barbadosadvocate.com
There is only one mosquito that can transmit malaria in Barbados and thankfully it is only found in one area on the island.
The mosquito, Anopheles aquasalis is one species of the 400 variants of the Anopheles mosquito. Of these only 40 can transmit the four different species of parasites known to cause malaria.
Ronald Chapman, Environmental Health Specialist with the Epidemiology Department in the Ministry of Health, explained yesterday that the Anopheles aquasalis prefers to live in water with a higher than average salt density in the water. Thus, for years they have only lived in the brackish water of the Graeme Hall Swamp.
Referencing Jamaica where over 100 cases were reported in the last month, Chapman noted that it is unclear what type of anopheles mosquito has caused the outbreak there, but noted that the species Anopheles gambiae is the type that is most known to transmit the dangerous malaria parasite plasmodium falciparum.
He disclosed that the few cases of malaria reported in Barbados have originated outside Barbados and no evidence of any of the four malaria parasites have been discovered. Chapman also revealed that the Anopheles aquasalis mosquito is distinct from the Aedes aegypti which spreads dengue and the culex which is more common, in that the latter two feed with their bodies perpendicular to the hosts, while the aquasalis feeds at a 45 degree angle and sometimes almost perpendicular.
Explaining, that since the mosquito needs a safe place to lay its eggs after ingesting a blood meal, Chapman explained that this would mean the mosquito could only travel back to the swamp, this would inhibit any long scale travel. Speaking to the media after presenting on vector control at a special seminar Strengthening the Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria, Chapman revealed that the Epidemiology department is dedicated to constant vigilance of the swamp. Chapman explained that should it be found that anyone has contracted malaria, it is first ascertained if they are residing near the area of the swamp. He explained that such a person would be evacuated from the area, to prevent the mosquito drinking from that host and thereby becoming a vector for the malaria parasite.
Chapman stated that along with constant dipping and testing of the water, cleaning of the area is undertaken and where larvae eating fish are depleted, the department replenishes the fish community.
Source:http://www.barbadosadvocate.com
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