Kenyan Researcher Gets Grant from Gates Foundation to Tackle Malaria Spread

Kenyan researcher, Dr Fredros Okuma has received an $865,000 grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Kenyan researcher, Dr Fredros Okuma has received an $865,000 grant by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as he attempts to find a way to develop affordable traps to kill mosquitoes and prevent the rapid spread of malaria in Africa.

The fact that mosquitoes were attracted by foot odor was first discovered by Dutch scientist Bart Knols who stood naked in a dark room to identify where mosquitoes bit the most.

Malaria - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment
Malaria is caused by a parasite that enters blood through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is characterized by fever, vomiting, shivering, sweating and other symptoms.

Based on that finding, Dr Okuma has now managed to replicate the odor by blending in eight different chemicals and using them in traps in order to attract and poison mosquitoes.

“This is the first time that we are focusing on controlling mosquitoes outside of homes. The global goal of eradication of malaria will not be possible without new technologies”, Dr Okuma said.

About Mosquito Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Source-Medindia

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