WHO global database on invasive mosquito vector species

The global database on invasive mosquito vector species was established in 2019 following the recommendations of the WHO’s first Technical Consultation on the spread of Anopheles stephensi. The database is designed to allow tracking of the geographical spread of malaria vector species that pose a threat to malaria control and elimination efforts.

The database aims to support the evaluation of risks posed by invasive vector species and to promote and inform prompt action to mitigate this risk.

Information products based on the global database

The data contained in the database can be explored through the interactive data visualization platform Malaria Threats Map. The platform provides a thematic map showing the spread of invasive vector species. 

Database description

Contents

At present the database contains reports of detections of Anopheles stephensi, including information such as the form detected, place and time of detection, stage of species detected, sampling location (indoor vs outdoor), sampling method, breeding habitat type (applicable only to larval and pupal detections) and species identification method. For each detection reported, expert opinion is sought to determine whether the detection has occurred in an area where the vector has traditionally been present or whether the report signals a new detection of the vector in that area. The detections are thereby classified as “native” or “invasive”, respectively.

Other species will be included in the database as reports of their detection outside of their native zones are received.

Data inclusion criteria

Reports of detections of invasive mosquito vectors species are included in the databases as long as they contained information on the vector species detected and the place and time of detection, even if other types of information such as sampling methods or stage are not available. 

Data sources

The data are provided by WHO Member States and partner institutions (including research institutes and nongovernmental organizations) through the WHO standard data collection form. In addition, WHO monitors, extracts and incorporates data from publications in international peer-reviewed scientific journals on a regular basis.

Data quality control

The validity and accuracy of data reported to WHO is checked through consultations with WHO Member States, WHO country, regional and headquarter offices and partner institutions before being included in the database. 

Other important remarks

Most surveillance systems are designed to collect vector species known to be locally present and therefore they may fail to detect invasive mosquito vector species. Hence, the data contained in this database may underrepresent the actual geographical distribution of these species.