Tanzania: Disrupting Mosquito Breeding to Fight Malaria

The video discusses malaria prevention using bed nets and highlights the adaptation of mosquitoes to bite earlier or outside. It emphasizes the importance of targeting mosquito larvae in urban areas, where breeding sites are more identifiable. A study in Dar es Salaam tests larvicide effectiveness, showing a 57% reduction in adult mosquitoes. The video also describes a monitoring technology using human bait to track mosquito densities. Despite its effectiveness, larviciding is labor-intensive and costly, prompting exploration of targeting only the most productive breeding sites.

What is one reason bed nets are considered effective in preventing malaria?

• They repel mosquitoes with a strong scent.

• They are made of a material that mosquitoes cannot penetrate.

• They protect against mosquitoes that bite at night.

• They are used during the day when mosquitoes are most active.

Why is targeting mosquito larvae considered a good complement to using bed nets?

• Larvae are the stage that feeds on human blood.

• Larvae do not adapt as quickly as adult mosquitoes.

• Larvae are the only stage that can be poisoned.

• Larvae are easier to catch than adult mosquitoes.

What makes it easier to identify mosquito breeding sites in urban areas compared to rural areas?

• Urban areas have more advanced technology.

• Mosquitoes in urban areas are less adaptive.

• Breeding sites are more concentrated in urban areas.

• Urban areas have fewer bodies of water.

In the Dar es Salaam study, what was the observed reduction in adult mosquito density after larviciding?

• 30%

• 57%

• 75%

• 90%

What is a key consideration when applying insecticides to mosquito breeding sites?

• Focusing on the most productive breeding sites for effective control.

• Using insecticides that are safe for human consumption.

• Targeting every possible breeding site regardless of productivity.

• Applying insecticides only during the rainy season.