The occurence of Anopheles minimus flavirostric (Ludlow) in the City of Manila

ABSTRACT

1) The first recorded occurrence of Anopheles minimus flavirostris breeding within the city limits of Manila is reported2) A total of 66 larvae, 1 pupa and 1 adult of A. minimus flavirostris was obtained in two streams situated in the vicinity of the North Cemetery, a hundred yards or so from the thickly populated areas. In addition to A. minimus flavirostris, other species of anophelines were also found, such as A. manalangi, A. hycranus nigerrimus, A. hycranus lesteri, A. filipinas, A. tessellatus, A. litoralis, A. subpictus indefinitus3) This study has demonstrated that, as Holt and Russell have said, "A. minimus is a versatile creature and does not limit itself to the classical breeding places"4) The great losses suffered by the animal population during the war greatly reduced the animal barriers and allowed the vector to wander far and wide for blood and gave it an opportunity to migrate to other breeding places5) With this discovery of the malaria vector within the confines of the city it is impossible to deny the likelihood that malaria may be contracted in Manila6) The history of a 2-year old child living near the breeding place, whose blood was found positive for P. falciparum, strongly suggests an infection contracted in Manila. (Summary and Conclusion)