Latest news with #Anopheles
The Hindu
a day ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Unravelling Malaria's Deadly Secret
Ross an army surgeon was born in Almora on May 13 1857, three days before the Great Indian Rebellion. On August 20, 1897, discovered the Malarial parasite in gastro-intestinal tract of a female Anopheles mosquitoes and eventually established the transmission cycle, while serving as army surgeon in India. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for the methods to combat the disease that killed millions and continues to affect many. He won the Nobel prize in 1902 for it. He was the first British and the first Indian born person to win the Nobel. Tune in to hear his story. The Rearview is a podcast where the hosts guide you on a scenic route through the history of science. Filled with fascinating anecdotes, deep archival dives, and a closer look at the quirky minds behind groundbreaking ideas. Hosts: Jacob Koshy and Sobhana K Nair Edited and produced by Jude Francis Weston For more episodes of The Rearview:
NDTV
05-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Malaria Cases On Rise In Delhi: Expert Shares Tips To Stay Safe This Monsoon
A rise in vector-borne diseases has been observed in Delhi this monsoon. According to recent data from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the national capital has recorded 124 malaria cases, the highest in the last decade. Additionally, a total of 277 dengue cases and 18 chikungunya cases have been reported so far. While both malaria and dengue can be dangerous and potentially fatal, malaria is more likely to cause severe illness and death globally. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is more prevalent in tropical regions due to the hot and humid weather conditions. A rise in malaria cases is typically observed during the monsoon season as increased humidity and stagnant water bodies provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. "Malaria is a mosquito-borne infection from Plasmodium species. The unprecedented rains, waterlogging, and poor sanitation are some of the factors that contribute to a surge in malaria cases at this time of year, every year. And unfortunately, it is the elderly and the children who are more likely to have complications because of all the malaria-related illnesses that spread in the rainy season," Dr. Monica Mahajan, Director - Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare. Symptoms of malaria Individuals infected with malaria may initially develop mild symptoms. Later, within 10-15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito, the following symptoms are commonly reported: Fever Chills Fatigue Headaches Muscle ache Chest pain Cough Seizures "Malaria typically presents as high-grade fever with shivering, with headache, body pains and along with that the complications of malaria can involve various systems of the body, including causing jaundice, brain involvement or kidney involvement," Dr. Mahajan added. Malaria can also cause severe illness, especially when left untreated. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions are also at a higher risk of severe illness. Severe symptoms include: Extreme fatigue Impaired consciousness Breathing difficulties Dark-coloured urine Jaundice Abnormal bleeding In some cases, it may also cause brain damage, organ failure and even death. How to stay safe "Preventing mosquito bites and eliminating breeding grounds are two effective strategies for preventing malaria. Cover yourself up with full-sleeved clothes and trousers, use DEET-based mosquito repellents and avoid stepping out during peak hours." "Dengue, malaria, typhoid and jaundice are quite common during the monsoon. In case you have any high-grade fever in this rainy season, then definitely get yourself tested for malaria. Any high fever does not mean it is viral. It is of utmost importance that you visit the doctor, get the required blood tests done, and are started on the appropriate medication," Dr. Mahajan added. "If malaria is not treated on time, it can be fatal. So it is important that we keep in mind that this is the rainy season, malaria cases are on the rise, and every fever needs to be monitored consciously," she advised. Other than mosquito bites, blood transfusions or use of contaminated needles may also transmit malaria.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists are studying ways to make your blood deadly to mosquitos
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used to treat tropical diseases such as river blindness, can also fight the spread of malaria. It does so in a way that seems oddly (and satisfyingly) like revenge against the mosquitos that carry the disease. It makes the user's blood a deadly poison to the insects that want to consume it. The new study, Ivermectin to Control Malaria — A Cluster-Randomized Trial, published this month, found that malaria cases dropped by 26 per cent in those who took the medication monthly. Researchers also noted a drop in cases of lice, scabies and bedbugs among participants in the trial. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, took place in Kwale, a county in coastal Kenya that has a high rate of malaria in spite of such techniques as the use of insecticide-treated nets. Clusters of household areas were assigned to receive mass administration of ivermectin for three months beginning at the start of the rainy season. Children aged 5 to 15 were then tested for malaria infection monthly for 6 months after the first round of treatment. 'Among children 5 to 15 years of age who were living in an area with high coverage and use of bed nets, ivermectin, administered once a month for three consecutive months, resulted in a 26 per cent lower incidence of malaria infection than albendazole (the control drug),' the researchers wrote. They added: 'No safety concerns were identified.' The researchers note that there were 249 million cases of malaria and 608,000 malaria-related deaths in 2022 alone. 'Interventions targeting the vector, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets or indoor residual spraying, remain the cornerstone of malaria control and are responsible for the estimated 81 per cent reduction in disease burden seen in Africa between 2000 and 2015,' they note. ('Vector' refers to an insect such as a mosquito that transmits a disease such as malaria.) 'However, progress has stalled in recent years (due to) emerging resistance to insecticides and behavioural adaptations, such as outdoor and crepuscular biting.' Ivermectin isn't the only drug being tested as a way to kill mosquitoes with the very thing they feed on. Another recent study investigated the effects of nitisinone, a drug used to treat rare metabolic disorders. 'The authors show that nitisinone targeted a crucial enzyme that mosquitoes need to digest their blood meal,' those researchers write. 'When female Anopheles mosquitoes in the laboratory consumed blood containing nitisinone, the drug was lethal to young, old, and insecticide-resistant populations and outperformed the mosquitocidal drug ivermectin. Even at low therapeutic doses, nitisinone remained deadly to mosquitoes. These findings warrant further investigation of nitisinone for vector control and the prevention of malaria transmission.' Mosquito season is worse this year, but TikTok user says she has a solution How to protect yourself from mosquitoes and West Nile virus Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here.
Vancouver Sun
29-07-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Scientists are studying ways to make your blood deadly to mosquitos
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used to treat tropical diseases such as river blindness, can also fight the spread of malaria. It does so in a way that seems oddly (and satisfyingly) like revenge against the mosquitos that carry the disease. It makes the user's blood a deadly poison to the insects that want to consume it. The new study, Ivermectin to Control Malaria — A Cluster-Randomized Trial , published this month, found that malaria cases dropped by 26 per cent in those who took the medication monthly. Researchers also noted a drop in cases of lice, scabies and bedbugs among participants in the trial. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health , took place in Kwale, a county in coastal Kenya that has a high rate of malaria in spite of such techniques as the use of insecticide-treated nets. Clusters of household areas were assigned to receive mass administration of ivermectin for three months beginning at the start of the rainy season. Children aged 5 to 15 were then tested for malaria infection monthly for 6 months after the first round of treatment. 'Among children 5 to 15 years of age who were living in an area with high coverage and use of bed nets, ivermectin, administered once a month for three consecutive months, resulted in a 26 per cent lower incidence of malaria infection than albendazole (the control drug),' the researchers wrote. They added: 'No safety concerns were identified.' The researchers note that there were 249 million cases of malaria and 608,000 malaria-related deaths in 2022 alone. 'Interventions targeting the vector, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets or indoor residual spraying, remain the cornerstone of malaria control and are responsible for the estimated 81 per cent reduction in disease burden seen in Africa between 2000 and 2015,' they note. ('Vector' refers to an insect such as a mosquito that transmits a disease such as malaria.) 'However, progress has stalled in recent years (due to) emerging resistance to insecticides and behavioural adaptations, such as outdoor and crepuscular biting.' Ivermectin isn't the only drug being tested as a way to kill mosquitoes with the very thing they feed on. Another recent study investigated the effects of nitisinone, a drug used to treat rare metabolic disorders. 'The authors show that nitisinone targeted a crucial enzyme that mosquitoes need to digest their blood meal,' those researchers write. 'When female Anopheles mosquitoes in the laboratory consumed blood containing nitisinone, the drug was lethal to young, old, and insecticide-resistant populations and outperformed the mosquitocidal drug ivermectin. Even at low therapeutic doses, nitisinone remained deadly to mosquitoes. These findings warrant further investigation of nitisinone for vector control and the prevention of malaria transmission.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
Toronto Sun
25-07-2025
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Southern China hit by outbreak of mosquito-borne infection chikungunya
Published Jul 25, 2025 • 2 minute read This 2014 photo made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a feeding female Anopheles funestus mosquito. Photo by James Gathany / AP China is experiencing an outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne infection, with thousands of cases reported in the south. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Chikungunya fever cases jumped to 4,014 on Friday, representing a rapid rise in numbers since authorities started tracking cases two weeks ago, according to public records released by health departments in districts in Foshan. The city in China's southern province Guangdong has been heavily impacted by the surge in infections. The chikungunya outbreak remains 'quite severe,' Sun Yang, deputy director of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a news conference on Wednesday in Foshan. Chikungunya is spread to people by the bites of infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain, but deaths are rare, according to the World Health Organization. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued various advisories on how to prevent chikungunya fever and dengue fever, a similar disease also spread by mosquitoes. Physical protection barriers, such as screen doors, mosquito nets for beds and mosquito repellent on exposed skin, was recommended. It said that the epidemic was 'imported' without specifying from where. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Chinese agency also called for people who have symptoms like fever, rash and joint pain to see a doctor. Shunde district in Foshan, where 90% of the cases are located, is famous for its Cantonese food, and sees many visitors each year. Patients who tested positive for chikungunya fever stayed in hospital beds covered by mosquito nets, according to photos shown on state-run broadcaster CCTV. Local media reports said on Thursday that local authorities had almost doubled the number of mosquito-proof isolation beds to 7,220 to meet the growing demand. Authorities in Guangdong are urging residents to make sure there's no standing water in their homes, such as in flowerpots, coffee machines or spare bottles. The Health Commission in Foshan stated on Thursday that a fine of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,400) could be applied if violations are found. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Beijing CDC said on Tuesday that the city occasionally experiences imported cases of chikungunya fever. There are two chikungunya vaccines that have received regulatory approvals in several countries and/or have been recommended for use in populations at risk, but the vaccines are neither widely available nor in widespread use, according to WHO. China had its first chikungunya spike in 2010 with 253 cases in Dongguan, a nearby city in the same province, according to the Guangdong provincial CDC. Several cases were found in years since then, but they weren't widespread. The country's first case was imported in 1987, according to research papers and media reports. Hockey Sports Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Columnists
