Abstract
Anopheles stephensi is a primary urban malaria vector in South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It is also widespread in southern Iran. Its recent geographical expansion is likely influenced by climate change. Its ability to breed in artificial water containers raises serious public health concerns regarding the potential re-establishment of local malaria transmission.
This study reports the first record of An. stephensi in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari Province, Iran. Larval collections were conducted in the Naghan District from August to October 2025. A total of 1352 adult mosquitoes were collected from Sarrok Village, among which 21 (9 males and 12 females) were identified as An. stephensi.
This finding confirms the expansion of this Key malaria vector into a new mountainous region in central Iran. It underscores the need for enhanced entomological surveillance and vector control strategies in these areas to mitigate the risk of malaria resurgence.