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Bites Attract More Bites

New research has unfortunately revealed bad news about mosquitoes and their habits. A new study done by mBio and reported by Voice Of America News claimed, “A new study finds that the parasite that causes the disease produces an odor which attracts mosquitoes, inviting more bites and infections.” The problem which comes to mind right away is the idea of getting bitten by a mosquito which does not carry Malaria, but it attracts other potential mosquitoes which could potentially carry the deadly virus.mosquito6a

The reason other mosquitoes are attracted to other bites is because of a certain scent which is released (terpenes). When humans are bitten, the odor is released when they sweat or go into motion. This is when the mosquitoes will pick up the scents and are able to find their next potential victim.

Although this could hurt humans by infecting more people, it can also help with research. Researchers are currently undergoing studies to find a way in which they can detect the odor and treat bite victims accordingly before they are attacked by other mosquitoes. Being able to recognize who is affected and who is not affected is a vital key in curbing the spread of the deadly virus.

After identifying these people who have been bit, inhibiting a medicine which is essentially a fly trap which will destroy the mosquito before it can go and infect another member of society. These tactics are still in the research stages, but the researchers are hopeful that they can implement this tactic in the very near future.

For more updates on Malaria and other diseases, please visit Scott Filler‘s official website.

Alarming Spread Of Malaria

As soon as the world was starting to believe there was soon to be a cure to the deadly Malaria disease, a new drug resistant parasite has been discovered spreading around the Myanmar and India region. Asian countries should stay on high alert because of the epidemic which broke out over 50 years ago where a similar drug resistant parasite ravaged India and eventually travelled beyond Asia, and claiming millions of lives on its way to extinction.

Professor Mike Turner, the head of infection & immunobiology at the Welcome Trust in the United Kingdom stated, “The new research shows that history is repeating itself with parasites resistant to artemisinin drugs, the mainstay of modern malaria treatment, now widespread in Myanmar.” He also included that thousands are in immediate danger due to the new parasite.

According to Medical News Today, “The team found 39% of samples carried genetic evidence of resistance to artemisinin. They also confirmed resistant parasites were present in samples taken from centers located only 25 km from the Indian border.” Officials are extremely concerned since the proximity the disease is so close to India and the population which could be an epidemic very quickly.

Many doctors and officials are beginning to take precautionary measures as they expect the worst. Even though there is no real cure for this new mosquito, doctors are going to make sure they do all they can do in order to keep the heavily prone areas safe and disease free.

This new outbreak is urging the World Health Organization and The Global Fund to push for a more effective course of action to fight malaria. The bug is expected to be the worst epidemic since the 1960’s. One official claimed, “We need a more vigorous international effort to address this issue in border regions.” These regions are going to face problems for years to come and the best way to solve this problem is to wipe it out completely.

For more news and updates on Malaria, please visit Scott Filler‘s official website.

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