The malaria-carrying mosquito has been observed in Italy, in six different sites in the province of Lecce, fifty years after the last detection. Anopheles sacharovi is a species of mosquito of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, historical vector of the disease which today is commonly associated with tropical countries but which until the 1960s was also widely spread in Italy. And the last detections of the insect in our country dated back to that decade. Until September 2022, when a single specimen of the maculipennis type was found in the Apulian province, triggering a targeted entomological investigation. A study published in the journal gives the news PubMed created by researchers from the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Puglia and Basilicata, the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Vector-Transmitted Diseases, the Higher Institute of Health and the Animal Health Veterinary Service.
The risk of spreading malaria in Southern Italy
We read in the introduction of the study which found mosquitoes at risk in six of the eleven sites investigated: «The investigation was conducted in the areas surrounding the first discovery, focusing on animal farms, riding stables and potential breeding sites. Adult and immature mosquitoes were collected, through active searching or trapping, in several natural and rural sites.” This is a discovery, the authors write, with “strong relevance and health impact”, since it highlights what is defined as a greater “receptivity” of the southern areas. Research highlights that hundreds of cases of malaria are brought to Europe every year. The presence of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the disease exposes the Italian population to its possible spread, which the authors warn against. «To prevent the risk of reintroduction of the disease, the need to strengthen surveillance of the presence of anopheline mosquitoes (the type of mosquito that transmits malaria, ed) remaining throughout the South”.
What is malaria and how is it contracted
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is widespread in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The most common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and general malaise. If not treated promptly, malaria can lead to serious complications, such as organ damage and even death, especially in children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Malaria prevention involves the use of insect repellents, mosquito nets and prophylactic drugs in high-risk areas. Treatment depends on the type of parasite and may include antimalarial drugs. It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have contracted malaria, especially after traveling to endemic areas.
