Bernard Abong’o

Abstract This study analyzes the distribution, genetic diversity, and spread of Anopheles stephensi in Kenya following initial detection in December 2022. A total of 114 larval and 33 adult An. stephensi samples were confirmed in 7 of 18 surveyed counties majorly along transportation routes. Genetic analyses revealed three distinct genetic compositions with different levels of genetic diversity, suggesting multiple introductions into the country.

Mnzava  A, Monroe  AC, Okumu  F. Anopheles stephensi in Africa requires a more integrated response. Malar J. 2022;21:156. DOIPubMedGoogle Scholar Faulde  MK, Rueda  LM, Khaireh  BA. First record of the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi and its possible role in the resurgence of malaria in Djibouti, Horn of Africa. Acta Trop. 2014;139:39–43. DOIPubMedGoogle Scholar Ahmed  A, Khogali  R, Elnour  MB, Nakao  R, Salim  B.

Our results demonstrate that the HDT baited with cattle odour is a highly efficient method of sampling outdoor biting anophelines, with a cattle-baited HDT catching consistently more Anopheles, mainly An. arabiensis, than the HLC. Overall, the cattle-baited HDT caught over seven times more Anopheles than HLC outdoors. There were also significant differences in the species composition captured by traps baited with different hosts.