Malaria threat in Moscow

AN extensive spraying programme has been carried out by Moscow city authorities in an attempt to reduce the city’s overall mosquito threat, which has become an increasing concern in Moscow over the past few years. According to a Medinfo press release, over the past five years the number of malaria cases officially recorded has almost doubled, with over two thirds of Moscow’s rivers, lakes, swamps and ponds being infested with Anopheles mosquitoes which are capable of spreading Malaria. Dr Andrew Jamieson, medical director at Netcare Travel Clinics, has claimed that the rising malaria cases are due partly to travellers from more southerly areas carrying malaria parasites to the city which have consequently infected malaria-susceptible mosquitoes in the area. (Heather Ruddock)