Scientists in Kenya have discovered a new potential side-effect from taking the drug Ivermectin: it makes human blood poisonous to mosquitoes that feed on it.

Ivermectin has been around for decades and is not harmful to humans. But it is harmful to parasites that live in some mosquitoes and enable it to transmit diseases such as malaria.

In the study, volunteers took doses of Ivermectin and extracted their blood, which was then given to mosquitoes in the lab. The mosquitoes who interacted with the Ivermectin-blood were killed – an ideal, yet unexpected, result.

Scientists are first focused on utilizing this new tactic in the fight against malaria. If successful, then perhaps we will see it employed here in Los Angeles as an additional step in our Integrated Mosquito-Management Plan.

However, before we see this tactic in our own backyards, more information must be gathered through clinical trials in order to inform the viability of any next steps.

As always, you can protect yourself and your community by following these simple safety steps:

• Remove all standing water on your property; that is where mosquitoes breed.
• Ensure rain barrels are properly sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
• Ensure all screens around your home are in good repair to keep mosquitos out.
• Wear loose long sleeve shirts and long pants to prevent mosquitoes from biting.
• Wear insect repellant containing DEET, Picaridin, IR 3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
• Stay indoors during the hours of dusk and dawn, when many mosquitoes are most active.

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