Mosquitoes of Etiological Concern in Kenya and Possible Control Strategies

Abstract

Kenya is among the most affected tropical countries with pathogen transmitting Culicidae vectors. For decades, insect vectors have contributed to the emergence and distribution of viral and parasitic pathogens. Outbreaks and diseases have a great impact on a country’s economy, as resources that would otherwise be used for developmental projects are redirected to curb hospitalization cases and manage outbreaks. Infected invasive mosquito species have been shown to increasingly cross both local and global boarders due to the presence of increased environmental changes, trade, and tourism. In Kenya, there have been several mosquito-borne disease outbreaks such as the recent outbreaks along the coast of Kenya, involving chikungunya and dengue. This certainly calls for the implementation of strategies aimed at strengthening integrated vector management programs. In this review, we look at mosquitoes of public health concern in Kenya, while highlighting the pathogens they have been linked with over the years and across various regions. In addition, the major strategies that have previously been used in mosquito control and what more could be done to reduce or combat the menace caused by these hematophagous vectors are presented.

Diversity and Abundance of Potential Vectors of Rift Valley Fever Virus in the North Region of Cameroon

“…RVFV vectors can be classified into two major groups, namely primary and secondary vectors. The primary vectors, according to the literature, are mosquitoes of the genus Aedes [ 5 , 12 , 13 ] that maintain RVFV by transovarially transmitting the virus to the next generation [ 14 ]. They usually lay these infected eggs in geomorphic structures in the form of shallow depressions without a stream, which can be covered with grass and are called dambos in East Africa [ 14 , 15 ].…”

Impact of 1.5 oC and 2 oC global warming scenarios on malaria transmission in East Africa

“…arabiensis have been identified as the top three potent malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa ( Wiebe et al ., 2017 ) and, in particular, East Africa (e.g. Dida et al ., 2018 ; Karungu et al ., 2019 ). Among other climatic factors that influence malaria transmission is temperature – which has been shown to be a useful predictor of incidence (e.g.…”

“…Global warming is likely to increase the seasons and geographical extents for malaria transmission resulting in more cases and newer malaria hotspots (e.g. Ebi et al ., 2018 ; Himeidan & Kweka, 2012 ; Karungu et al ., 2019 ; Peterson, 2009 ). An analysis of climate projections shows changes in the geographical and seasonal suitability for malaria transmission for East Africa (e.g.…”

Complementary Effects of Crude Ethanol <i>Phytolacca dodecandra</i> Extracts with House Characteristics on Densities of Indoor Resting Mosquitoes in Western Kenya

“…In this study, complementary effect of crude ethanol extracts of Endod applied in simple mosquito resting boxes and four major aspects of house characteristics on density of indoor resting mosquitoes were examined: Structure of house wall, presence and use of ITNs, number of individuals sleeping under and without ITNs and number of occupants per house. The results were a recovery of two important species of mosquitoes (Anopheline and Culicine) involved in the transmission of mosquito borne diseases such as malaria (Ndenga et al, 2006;Tchouassi et al, 2012;Dia et al, 2013) and viruses (Ochieng et al, 2013) in Western Kenya (Karungu et al, 2019).…”