Anopheles stephensi
Anopheles stephensi is the primary urban malaria vector across South Asia and the Middle East. Unlike most Anopheles species, it thrives in cities — breeding in water-storage tanks, overhead cisterns, construction sites, and wells. This urban adaptation makes it particularly concerning as a malaria vector reaching populations typically shielded from rural transmission.
Since around 2012, An. stephensi has been expanding into the Horn of Africa — first detected in Djibouti, then Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria. WHO has warned that its spread could reverse decades of malaria progress in African cities, where populations have limited immunity compared to rural areas.
It is a night-biter with significant flexibility in habitat and host choice, feeding on humans, cattle, and other mammals.
Biting behaviour
Night-biting, with significant activity in the early night. Bites both indoors and outdoors. Feeds on humans and livestock.
Habitat
Urban and peri-urban water-storage systems — overhead tanks, wells, cisterns, construction sites, domestic water jars. Also breeds in irrigation channels and peri-urban rice fields.
Diseases transmitted
How to identify
Where found
South Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh), Middle East (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE), increasingly expanding across the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia) and into Nigeria.
Precautions
Recommended Protection
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Countries where Anopheles stephensi is relevant
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Vector information is sourced from WHO, CDC, and ECDC. Not medical advice. Personal decisions on repellents, vaccinations, or medication belong with a qualified travel health professional.