Scientists claim to be close to defeating Malaria by using gene-driven technology to decimate malaria-bearing mosquitos. Female mosquitos transmit malaria and by introducing synthetic genes via male mosquitos reproduction becomes difficult leading to the eradication of the disease.

Or so the scientists believe. Some say it may be a lifesaving breakthrough or an arrogant meddling with nature.

See https://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph-magazine/ for the full article.

Why is this important?

Think of scary things that could kill you. Mosquitos are only millimetres long, but it is man’s deadliest enemy.

The Gates Foundation has calculated that:

  • 10 people a year are killed by sharks
  • 100 by Lions
  • 1,000 by crocodiles
  • 10,000 by Tsetse flies
  • 50,000 by snakes
  • 475,000 by other humans
  • 725,000 by mosquitos mainly through Malaria but including a range of other diseases such as dengue and Yellow Fever

Travellers are only a small proportion of this number, but numbers can be reduced further through antimalarial medication and easy bite prevention strategies.

Avoid being bitten by:

  • Covering up skin as much as possible if going out at night, (mosquitoes that transmit malaria bite from dusk until dawn). Wear loose fitting clothes, long sleeves, trousers or long skirts.
  • Use insect repellents on exposed skin. Clothes can be sprayed with repellents too or clothing specific sprays eg. permethrin. If using sunscreen always apply first, followed by an insect repellent spray on top.
  • If room is not air conditioned, but is screened, close shutters early evening and spray room with knockdown insecticide spray. In malarious regions, if camping, or sleeping in unprotected accommodation, always sleep under a mosquito net (impregnated with permethrin). Avoid camping near areas of stagnant water, these are common breeding areas for mosquitoes etc.
  • Electric insecticide vaporisers are very effective as long as there are no power failures!
  • There is no scientific evidence that electric buzzers, savoury yeast extract, tea tree oil, bath oils, garlic and vitamin B are effective.
  • Homeopathic and herbal medications should NEVER be used as an alternative to conventional measures for malaria prevention.

Your Global Health Travel clinic consultant will advise on the correct course of antimalarial treatment, which takes into account, your location, your length of visit and the type of activity you will be doing.