‘The mosquitoes are preparing to attack us’: knowledge and perceptions of communities in south-eastern Tanzania regarding mosquito swarms

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Marceline F. Finda, Emmanuel W. Kaindoa, Anna P. Nyoni, Fredros O. Okumu
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2019
• Subjects: Malaria transmission; Mosquito mating; Male mosquitoes; Mosquito swarms; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-019-2686-1; https://doaj.org/article/08d32d501cf64c568c869b06c91887e0

Abstract Background Targeting swarms of male Anopheles mosquitoes with techniques such as aerosol spraying could potentially suppress malaria vector populations and parasite transmission. Unfortunately, research on Anopheles swarming behaviours is limited, particularly in East Africa where only a handful of studies have been done. New evidence has recently emerged that such swarms are common even in Tanzania, where they could be readily identified and characterized by community-based volunteers, and potentially targeted for control. However, improved understanding of public knowledge and perceptions will be crucial for successful uptake of any interventions targeting swarms. Methods Explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to assess knowledge and perceptions regarding mosquito swarms among community members in Ulanga and Kilombero districts, south-eastern Tanzania. A survey questionnaire was administered to 307 respondents, after which focus group discussions were conducted to clarify responses regarding mosquito swarms and malaria transmission. Findings from both study components were used to draw qualitative inferences. Results Most community members (83%) had previously seen mosquito swarms, predominantly in farms, over long grasses or bushes, above ponds and over roofs of houses and pit-latrines. However, there was little evidence that community members could distinguish between mosquito swarms and those of other insects. Neither were they aware that swarms consisted mostly of male mosquitoes. Swarming was associated with mosquitoes preparing to attack people, foraging for food, playing or resting. Very few respondents associated swarming with mosquito mating. Nearly all community members were willing to accept interventions targeting mosquito swarms; and approximately three quarters would pay for such interventions, between 0.9 and 2.3 USD/year. Conclusion Majority of the community members recognized presence of mosquito swarms in their communities but did not associate these swarms with ...