Aedes polynesiensis
...an important vector of disease
Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) is caused by a filarial worms, which are transmitted by female mosquitoes. For more information about this disease, see:
Only female mosquitoes blood feed. Male mosquitoes do not bite or drink blood or transmit disease.
Only some species of mosquitoes are able to transmit disease agents.
In the South Pacific, one mosquito in particular, Aedes polynesiensis, is responsible for transmitting much of the worms responsible for LF. For more information about Aedes polynesiensis, see:
The female mosquitoes pick up the worm when they feed on an infected human.
The worm is transmitted when the mosquito next blood feeds.
Photo Credit: WRBU
To defeat this disease, it is better to have multiple strategies. One excellent method is mass drug administration (MDA), which is a crucial part for success. To read more about MDA and the Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, see:
WHO Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis
The effort to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis would benefit from additional tools. Methods to use against important mosquitoes, such as Aedes polynesiensis, would be helpful.
To read about a potential tool against Aedes polynesiensis,
