Latest news with #mosquitoes
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Inside the labs on the frontline in the battle against one of the world's deadliest diseases – as it reaches Europe
A SWARM of blood-sucking mosquitoes encircle me, buzzing around my face. I'm perched on a bed in a tin-roofed shed and the only barrier to the outside world is a mozzie net filled with holes. 7 7 I'm at the Ifakara Health Institute, in rural Tanzania, Africa, nestled among towering palms. Here, British and African scientists work in converted shipping containers on the front line in the battle against deadly malaria. Deaths from the infection have been rising. There were 620,000 victims in 2022, up from 560,000 a decade ago — most of them African children under five, according to the World Health Organisation. After years of progress, with global deaths down from 1.8million in 2004, warmer temperatures, war and Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have fuelled a resurgence of the disease. The WHO says 249 million cases were reported globally in 2022, up from 233 million in 2019. Europe was declared malaria-free by the WHO in 2015, but now its threat is edging closer again. 'Smile hides heartbreak' Malaria-carrying mosquitoes have reached southern Europe, and medical cases of affected holidaymakers coming into Britain are at their highest level in more than 20 years, with 2,106 cases in 2023. Symptoms are flu-like, but severe cases can be fatal. People who haven't been regularly exposed to malaria, like those in Europe, don't have the same immunity as those in Africa Dr Dickson Wilson Lwetoijera, principal research scientist at the institute, tells Sun Health their work could have far-reaching consequences for the whole world. He says: 'With global travel and population movement, there's every chance the disease could spread to new regions — if that happens in Europe, the consequences could be serious. 'People who haven't been regularly exposed to malaria, like those in Europe, don't have the same immunity as those in Africa who have lived with the disease for some time, so the risk of severe illness or death is much higher.' In Tanzania, it's as prevalent as the common cold, but that doesn't erase the devastation this disease has brought to families. In a dusty neighbourhood in Dar es Salaam, a few hours from Ifakara, I meet Jamima Charles Abel. She welcomes me into her home — a tiny space along a narrow, muddy street shared by several families. Her smile hides the heartbreak her family has endured. Her son Eric Daniel Richard, 24, 'loved people', Jamima tells me. He was a hard worker at a local business, supporting his family despite having moved out. One day last December, he developed flu-like symptoms. Within 24 hours, he was gone. Jamima, 44, is terrified for her other two children. Just last month, her 17-year-old son caught malaria but has since recovered. The infection is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. 7 7 Male mosquitoes don't bite and are therefore harmless. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the parasite enters the bloodstream and infiltrates red blood cells. Genetically engineered mosquitoes The Plasmodium parasite is adept at evading the immune system. It means a vaccine, which seems like the simplest option, is far from straightforward. So scientists are working on other cutting-edge solutions. A team from Imperial College London, in partnership with a team at Ifakara, has genetically engineered mosquitoes resistant to the malaria parasite. It's hoped these mozzies will be released into the wild within eight years, dominating and repopulating areas within a few months. 'This is the first malaria-fighting technology that doesn't rely on human behaviour,' Dr Lwetoijera explains. 'With our current tools, like bed nets and insecticides, the biggest challenge is compliance. 'People have to use them consistently for them to work, which isn't always possible.' Funding is one of the biggest challenges scientists face. And a huge blow came earlier this year when Donald Trump made abrupt cuts to foreign aid, and Keir Starmer announced plans to slash the overseas aid budget to its lowest level in a generation. Dr Sarah Moore, who has worked at Ifakara for 20 years, says: 'Every day, the equivalent of four jumbo jets full of children die of malaria in Africa. 'If aid continues to fall as predicted, it could rise to five. Because it's Africa, no one cares.' Among other developments, drones are being used to find and dismantle mosquito breeding grounds in Dar es Salaam, such as stagnant water pools, leafy foliage and shaded areas. At dusk, when mosquitoes begin to stir, experts knock on the doors of locals to set up traps. Mwanabibi Kharifa Mohamed, a grandmother and mother of four, is one local taking part. As Alex Limwagu, a research scientist, sets mosquito traps in the garden, Mwanabibi tells me her children have caught the disease more times than she can count — the family can't afford nets — but it never quells her panic. 'I rush straight to the hospital because I know in two minutes they could die,' she says. Since the mosquito team arrived this year, Mwanabibi has learned more about protecting her family. 'I used to be ignorant,' she says. 'But Alex taught me how mosquitoes breed and how to protect my children. If malaria disappeared, life would be peaceful.' The WHO wants to reduce global malaria by 90 per cent by 2030. It believes the ambitious target is 'achievable' — but not without the dedicated scientists on the ground and the funds to keep them going. Victoria Fowler, head of UK advocacy at the charity Malaria No More UK, says: 'Taking our foot off the gas could lead to a surge, including in new places not ready to fight back. We need the Government to back the Global Fund to Fight Malaria at the Spending Review this month. 'Standing behind our scientists is crucial to get back on track to beat this killer, saving hundreds of thousands of children's lives and protecting the British public.' 7
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Banish mosquitoes from your garden all summer with $40 off the sleek trap that shoppers say 'REALLY works': 'No more bugs in my yard!'
The joys of spending time outside are unmatched. There's nothing like soaking up the sunshine on the patio or enjoying a chilled beverage at golden hour with friends. If there's any downside to the experience, it's that mosquitoes and other unwelcome pests can really ruin the ambiance. Swatting at flies while you're trying to relax is a huge pain — but thanks to the Dynatrap LED Mosquito and Insect Trap, your summer is about to get a lot less buggy. Right now it's a phenomenal deal, too. It retails for $85, but you can score it for as low as $44.98 when you enter HELLO15 to snag an extra $15 off your first QVC purchase. Dynatrap LED Mosquito and Insect Trap Bugs, be gone! Never again worry about unwelcome outdoor pests thanks to this sleek and stylish insect trap that effectively manages mosquitoes, flies, wasps, beetles, yellowjackets, gnats, and moths. Available in three colors (forest green, granite, and slate blue), the trap has an ultraviolet LED light and a fan that work in tandem to lure and trap the insects. Enter code HELLO15 at checkout to snag yours for an extra $15 off. $44.98 (was $85) Shop The device is expertly designed to de-bug your patio or porch while adding a pop of subtle style to your space. That's right — this is a fashionable bug trap, and it fits in nicely with your setup instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. Along with being easy on the eyes, the Dynatrap works efficiently to clear your surroundings of the unfriendly critters that may otherwise feast on your food, land on your stuff, or bite you. It's all thanks to the built-in ultraviolet LED bulb, which commands the attention of the insects and draws them in for a closer look. As they venture towards the light, a fan pulls the insect inside, and traps them inside the attached basket. The bulb is powerful, yet not so bold that it will disturb you while you're outside. It's quick and simple to replace when needed, but is designed to last up to six times as long as standard fluorescent lighting, so those changes will be few and far between. Don't fear the idea of emptying the basket, either. It's basically like a miniature trash can. Simply press the button to eject this portion of the trap, then discard the contents in the garbage. It's mess-free, so you'll never make contact with the pests. The Dynatrap treats all unwelcome visitors equally. Whether you're concerned about mosquitoes, flies, wasps, beetles, yellowjackets, gnats, or moths, you can rely on it to effortlessly lure them to the light and trap them in the basket. The beauty of the device is that it puts an effective stop to insect breeding cycles. We all know how difficult it can be to control an infestation once it gets out of hand. This is an excellent ally that can have a huge impact on your efforts to maintain a healthy and clean space outside. What's especially amazing is that it has a half-acre coverage area. It's incredible even for super large yards, and is weather-resistant to stay in beautiful shape even if it's exposed to inclement conditions. Naturally, the reviews are glowing. 'This is the best bug catcher!' exclaimed one happy user. 'I did not get eaten alive this weekend!' 'The half-acre unit has done a wonderful job reducing flying insects as black flies, mosquitoes, and wasps. Working in the yard and the gardens is possible now! I love that the unit is light and preassembled,' raved another. A third shopper said, 'It REALLY works! No more bugs in my yard. It worked right away. I'm very happy with my purchase.' Don't miss this opportunity to snag an impressive $15 off the Dynatrap LED Mosquito and Insect Trap with code HELLO15. It's a must for summer!
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
The simple way to keep mosquitoes out of your home and away from you using an item you'd throw in the bin
MOSQUITOES may not pose a huge health risk in the UK, but that doesn't make them any less annoying. The pesky critters are prone to biting, leaving us with itchy red marks that we'd all rather avoid this summer. 2 Unlike other pests, which are often attracted to the scent of food, these critters can seek out humans and animals by the carbon dioxide we emit. They also use other cues such as body odour, body heat and sweat to pick out their next victim. So while sitting out in the garden or keeping the windows open on a hot summer evening sounds great, the reality is often different. Usually, you spend half the time with a curled-up magazine swatting the pesky critters away. Thankfully, there's a much easier way to keep mosquitoes out of your home and away from you, and it won't require you to do a workout. Many pest control experts reveal that coffee grounds are the key to keeping them away. Experts at WW Gardening recommend drying the coffee grounds out and then placing them on a fire-resistant container like a metal tray. You can then light the grounds with a match like you would incense. Brett Bennett, director of operations, PURCOR Pest Solutions recommends: "Burn it like incense – so, you'll form a little hill of coffee grounds, make a divot in the top, and add a wick there to burn." You then want to place the tray near an open window or close to where you're sitting in the garden to keep them away Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free The smoke and scent of the coffee will prevent mosquitoes from wanting to get up close and personal. Another bonus from the tip is that you won't have to spend any money as used coffee grounds are perfect for the hack so long as you let them dry out. While the hack can be used to deter one or two mosquitoes, it may not work for larger groups. Homes & Gardens reports it may not be effective for larger swarms of mosquitoes. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. In addition to using burnt coffee grounds, there are other ways to keep the critters out of your home. Mosquitoes also hate the scent of citrus fruits and cloves, so you can try using oils around windows and doors to keep them away. It has been revealed that several other pests do not like the smell of burnt coffee, including slugs, bees, wasps, and snails. ou can also use them to help get rid of ants by sprinkling the grounds around your garden. Coffee can also act as a natural fertilizer for plants, contributing to healthy plant growth.
Washington Post
4 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Protein bars, mosquito magnets and vitamin D: The week in Well+Being
You are reading our weekly Well+Being newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Summer is on the horizon. You're probably looking forward to flip-flops, barbecues and your favorite fun-in-the-sun activities. There's one fly in the ointment, so to speak: mosquitoes. If you happen to be a mosquito magnet — meaning you attract a bloodthirsty horde, while everyone around you remains unscathed — it's even worse. This week, we're diving into why some folks are more likely than others to get mosquito bites, and what to do to keep those little monsters at bay. But before that …
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Batch of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in Glenview, first of the year in Illinois
For the first time this year, a batch of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Illinois. The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District said the batch was taken on Tuesday from the trap in Glenview and tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. How can you protect yourself from West Nile Virus? NSMAD advises people to take protection measures to minimize mosquito bites, including using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and, if possible, avoiding peak mosquito feeding times, typically around dusk and dawn. Check areas where mosquitoes can breed The district encourages people to check areas around their home for anything that can hold water, as this is where you will find the insects. Small items, such as bird baths, water pails, and buckets, should not be overlooked. The district also provides additional assistance for those experiencing any mosquito-related issues. New York City was the first in the U.S. to be affected by a West Nile outbreak in 1999. The worst West Nile outbreak in the U.S. to date came in 2002. That year in Illinois alone, there were 884 cases across the state, and 67 deaths, with 42 of them in Cook County.
