Malaria and Anopheles mosquitos in Malaysia.

Rahman, W A; Che'Rus, A; Ahmad, A H

Malaria and Anopheles mosquitos in Malaysia.

Date

1997-09-30

Authors

Rahman, W A

Che'Rus, A

Ahmad, A H

Abstract

Until today, malaria is still one of the most important diseases in Malaysia. This is because Malaysia is located within the equatorial zone with high temperatures and humidities, usually important for the transmission of malaria. The number of malaria cases were estimated to be around 300,000 before the launching of the Malaria Eradication Program (MEP). The program was successful in reducing the numbers progressively during the 1967-1982 period. During the period 1980-1991, the highest number of malaria cases recorded for the country was 65,283 in 1989 (16,902 in Peninsular Malaysia, 47,545 in Sabah and 836 in Sarawak) whilst the lowest was 22,218 (10,069 in Peninsular Malaysia, 11,290 in Sabah and 859 in Sarawak) in 1983. In Malaysia, there are 434 species of mosquitos, representing 20 genera. Of these, 75 species are Anopheles that comprise of 2 subgenus, i.e. Anopheles and Cellia. Of the 75 species, only 9 have been reported as vectors: An. maculatus, An balabacensis, An. dirus, An. letifer An. campestris, An. sundaicus, An. donaldi, An. leucophyrus and An. flavirostris. The behavior, seasonal abundance, biting activities and breeding sites of these species are discussed.

Description

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. 71 references.

Citation

Rahman WA, Che'Rus A, Ahmad AH. Malaria and Anopheles mosquitos in Malaysia. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. 1997 Sep; 28(3): 599-605