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The Anopheles mosquito is the vector that transmits the malaria
parasite from human to human. Therefore, reducing the Anopheles mosquito population is an important
part of malaria control in Zambia.
Where does the Anopheles mosquito breed?
In order to survive and breed, malaria mosquitoes require a certain
amount of humidity and a minimum volume of water. For effective
development of the parasite a relative humidity of 65% and
temperature between 35 – 40C is required. Studies have shown that
malaria mosquitoes need as little as 5 milliliters of water in which
to lay their eggs.
During the rainy season, there are ample places for mosquitoes to
breed and, as a result, higher rates of malaria than in other
seasons. Unfortunately, malaria is still a concern during Zambia’s
dry season because mosquitoes rest and breed in any cool, damp place
that has retained a little water. Some common examples of potential
breeding areas include water tanks, manholes and cisterns, tree
holes, and even small puddles made by animal hoof or human
footprints.
What about maize fields and tall grass?
In Zambia it has also been long been believed that malaria mosquitoes
breed and rest in maize fields and in tall grass. Watts and Bransby-Williams
(1978) found that the malaria mosquito does not breed in the water
that collects in maize
leaf axils. They advised local authorities that slashing of maize
plants should not be carried out in the name of malaria control.
Local health authorities and communities still focus prevention
efforts on slashing grass around residences. However, while the slashing of grass may serve other
purposes such as reducing nuisance mosquitoes or eliminating rodents,
it does not prevent malaria as the malaria mosquito does not rest or
breed in tall grass.
What can I do for vector (mosquito) control?
Be careful to cover or drain containers of standing water near your
home; fill in holes – even shallow ones – with dirt to reduce
mosquito breeding sites. In addition, sleep
under an insecticide treated net or have your
community participate in indoor residual spraying,
wear long sleeves between the hours of 22:00 and 04:00, and use
repellents.Click to link to
this website's page on Indoor Residual Spraying
or ITN Programmes in Zambia.
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