The Entomology Research team at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has revealed the discovery of a novel malaria vector (transmitter) that poses a major threat to Kenyans.
The vector known as Anopheles Stephensi was first found in the Laisamis and Saku sub-counties of Marsabit County, where the research was being performed, according to a statement issued by acting Director General Samuel Kariuki on Sunday.
The study, made in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Division of National Malaria Programme (DNMP), demonstrates that the vector flourishes in both urban and rural settings, implying a high transmission rate.
According to KEMRI, additional surveillance and research are being conducted to determine the breadth of the strain’s dissemination and mosquito infectivity rates.
Anopheles stephensi is unusual in that it flourishes in man-made containers including trash cans, tyres, open tanks, sewers, cisterns, overhead tanks, and underground tanks, as well as polluted settings.
Anopheles stephensi was known to occur and spread malaria in South-East Asia, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula prior to its discovery in Kenya.
