Vector-Borne Disease: CDC Report Outlines Key Steps for Prevention and Control in U.S.
Perhaps overlooked in the public eye upon its release in September, a new "framework" report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is none the less a vital step forward in the nation's efforts to better support and coordinate the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Here's a closer look at the report and what's next in this critical public-health pursuit.
Salt-Based Mosquito-Control Products Aren’t Worth Their Salt, Study Finds
Products claiming to reduce mosquito populations with salt-water solutions are ineffective, according to a new study. In a series of lab tests using nine mosquito species, a team of expert mosquito researchers found no evidence that adult mosquitoes are killed by salt ingested at concentrations used in several popular mosquito-control products. The findings are reported in the Journal of Medical Entomology.
Volcanic Rock Yields a New Kind of Insecticide for Mosquitoes
A derivative of volcanic rock called perlite shows effectiveness as a mechanical insecticide against Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The substance is believed to act by causing dehydration in the mosquitoes.
Study Shows Mosquitoes Can Still Spread Malaria After Long-Distance Flights
Last year, groundbreaking research showed Anopheles mosquitoes can ride high-altitude winds to spread far and wide. A new study published in July confirms that, after such flights, the mosquitoes remain healthy and capable of transmitting the pathogen that causes malaria.