Glossary
Anopheles: A genus of mosquito that transmits malaria in humans. It has approximately 460 species, with 30-40 that commonly transmit human malaria.Antimalarials: These are drugs that are designed to prevent or cure malaria.
Cerebral Malaria: It is the most severe neurological complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, characterized by presence of asexual forms of the parasite in the peripheral blood. If left untreated, it inevitably leads to coma and death.
Fogging: It is a technique for killing mosquitoes and other insects that uses a fine pesticide aerosol which is sprayed by a blower.
Gambusia: This is a species of freshwater fish that is commonly known as western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) or gambezi and is used for biological control of mosquitoes.
Guppy: It is also known as millionfish or rainbow fish (Poecilia reticulata) and is the most widely distributed tropical fish in the world. It is used for biological control of mosquitoes.
Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): It is the process of spraying insecticides inside the home to kill mosquitoes that spread malaria. Commonly used insecticides include DDT, malathion, and synthetic pyrethroids.
Insecticide-treated Bed Nets (ITNs): These are also known as long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) and are used for personal protection against mosquitoes that spread malaria.
Mosquito Coil: A mosquito repelling incense in the form of a coil impregnated with pyrethroids.
Mosquito Repellent Cream: A cream containing natural ingredients like citronella and aloe vera that repels mosquitoes causing malaria as well as viral diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
Mosquito Repellent Patch: A patch impregnated with natural mosquito repellents that can be peeled off and stuck to clothing or nearby objects. This is especially designed to provide protection to babies.
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Mosquito Repellent Liquid Vaporizer: A mosquito repellent liquid prepared from natural essential oils of neem, lemon grass, eucalyptus, or basil (Tulsi) that is spread by an electrically operated vaporizer.
Neem: Scientifically known as Azadirachta indica, it is a tree belonging to the mahogany family that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Its leaf extract is used as a mosquito repellent.
Plasmodium: It is a genus of protozoal parasites, many of which cause malaria in their hosts. In human malaria, its hosts are the female Anopheles mosquito and humans.
