Anopheles stephensi

30.05.2024

Anopheles stephensi

Why in the news?   

           The spread of the mosquito species Anopheles stephensi across Africa poses a significant problem to a continent already heavily burdened by malaria.

About Anopheles stephensi:

• It is a malaria vector native to South Asia.
• It transmits both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. It rapidly adapts to changes in the environment and is found in both rural and urban areas.
• This is different from African malaria vectors, which are typically found in rural areas.
• This species can thrive in urban areas and likes being near humans.
• They lay their eggs in any available water source – such as water containers, abandoned tyres and flowerpots – and their eggs can survive being dry for a long period of time.
• In addition, An. stephensi feeds on its vertebrate host both indoors and outdoors. This reduces the impact of commonly used vector control methods such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying.

Concerns regarding Anopheles stephensi:

• Anopheles stephensi as well as of Aedes mosquitoes, which carry many dreaded diseases including dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika.
• The invasion of this urban mosquito into Africa threatens the malaria elimination aspirations of the continent, particularly as 42.5% of Africa’s population now live in urban areas.

                                                                 Source: The Hindu

Question :- Consider the following statements with reference to the Anopheles stephensi:

Statement-I

 It is a mosquito species native to the African continent.

Statement-II

It rapidly adapts to changes in the environment.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer D