Study Finds Ivermectin Effective Against Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes

The drug can also potentially block the development of malaria-causing parasites in infected mosquitoes.

Researchers also found that contact-exposure to ivermectin has the potential to block the development of Plasmodium parasites, which are responsible for malaria, in infected mosquitoes. File photo

Ivermectin was found to be highly toxic against certain mosquito types and can be used as an effective tool in malaria management, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Nature on Oct. 31.

Ivermectin became controversial during the COVID-19 pandemic when many health officials denounced its usage, while others praised the drug for its efficacy. Since its discovery in the late 1970s, it has been used worldwide for treating infections caused by gastrointestinal roundworms, lungworms, and other parasites.