Insecticide spraying targeted at mosquito larvae can help control malaria in urban areas, study says

The use of insecticide to kill mosquitoes during the larval stage of development can control malaria effectively in urban areas when combined with existing malaria interventions, such as insecticide-treated nets, according to a study published Tuesday in PLoS One, ANI/Thaindian News reports.

Although governments and nongovernmental organizations worldwide have increased malaria control efforts, most interventions target adult mosquitoes rather than mosquito larvae, the study said. The study found that malaria prevalence among young children decreased by 72% after insecticide spraying targeted mosquito larvae. According to the study, using insecticide to kill mosquito larvae costs less than $1 annually per person protected, compared with $2 annually for ITN use.

"Malaria control programs have traditionally focused on rural areas, where the disease is more prevalent," Gerry Killeen, a study co-author from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, said, adding, "However, it's becoming clear that malaria also poses a problem in towns or cities. It is likely that malaria is easier to control and even eliminate in these areas." Yvonne Geissbuhler, lead study author from the Swiss Tropical Institute, said, "There is no evidence that using larvicide is a substitute for the current front-line interventions." She added that ITNs and indoor insecticide spraying "should remain the highest priority" in malaria control efforts (ANI/Thaindian News, 3/31).

The study is available online.