Malaria vector Anopheles stephensi on the rise

Colombo (News 1st) - The Ministry of Health notes that the density of Anopheles stephensi being reported is on the rise. Anopheles stephensi is a mosquito and a known vector of Malaria. According to the Director of the National Malaria Eradication unit, Dr. Prasad Ranaweera this species of mosquito was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 2017 from the Northern Province. Dr. Ranaweera added that the species is spreading through the Jaffna, Nallur and Kalmunei areas. Last year a total of 53 malaria patients were reported from the country.