Human-scented mosquito trap effective against malaria

A solar-powered, human-scented mosquito trap can reduce mosquito prevalence by 70% and malaria infections by 30%, according to a study carried out by researchers from Switzerland, the Netherlands and Kenya.  The trap used in the study, published in the journal The Lancet on Tuesday, attracts mosquitoes through a scent imitating human skin. The insects are then sucked into the trap by a solar-powered fan.  Four researchers from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) were involved in the study, the first of its kind to show a positive health effect of mosquito traps.  The field trial was carried out on the Kenyan island of Rusinga; around 4,500 households were equipped with the traps. The results show a 70% decline in population of the Anopheles mosquito on the islands as well as a 30% decrease in the number of malaria infections. Swiss TPH was in charge of the data systems for the study, keeping track of people, traps and health ...