The malaria parasite is well known for hijacking red blood cells in its potentially deadly quest to spread to its next unsuspecting victim via a mosquito bite.But scientists have discovered it has another surprising trick up its sleeve: it can lurk undetected in the spleen, which filters blood.Key points:Scientists had long suspected this finding but had no direct evidence until nowThe discovery rewrites what we know about the life cycle of this insidious parasite that infects millions of people …

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as 2 tablespoons of water! Even small containers can collect water and breed hundreds to thousands of mosquitoes, like bottles, tires, plant containers, children’s toys, barrels, buckets, bucket lids, and overturned garbage can lids. This is another reason why it is so important not to litter!Everyone can remove, reduce, and cover containers around their yards, homes, and businesses that hold water and can breed mosquitoes. This is called source reduction. So …

Artificial light abnormally increases mosquito biting behavior at night in a species that typically prefers to bite people during the day, according to research from the University of Notre Dame that was published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.Increased biting by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which normally fly and bite in the early morning and during the afternoon, highlights the concern that increasing levels of light pollution could impact transmission of diseases such …

Jackson: Mississippi will not put a huge mosquito on its new state flag.The state's Department of Archives and History says that a design featuring the blood-sucking insect had slipped through the screening process and should not have been among the finalists posted online on Monday.Mississippi recently retired the last state banner with the Confederate battle emblem that’s widely condemned as racist. A nine-member commission will recommend a replacement flag that, by legislative mandate, cannot …

In a normal year, the Delaware County, Ohio, health department would be setting out more than 90 mosquito traps a weekBug spray, swollen welts, citronella. It’s mosquito season.And in a normal year, the health department serving Ohio’s Delaware County would be setting out more than 90 mosquito traps a week — black tubs of stagnant water with nets designed to ensnare the little buggers.But this year, because of COVID-19, the mosquitoes will fly free.The coronavirus has pulled the staffers away, s …