Brazil is set to release millions of mosquitoes infected with bacteria as part of the fight against dengue fever outbreaks.
Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, particularly the “Aedes aegypti” species, continues to claim lives in the country.
What is Wolbachia? Wolbachia, a type of bacteria, is known as a method used to control the reproduction of mosquitoes (such as Aedes aegypti) and reduce the spread of diseases they carry.
In this method, mosquitoes are infected with Wolbachia. Wolbachia is used to control mosquito reproduction and prevent the transmission of viruses (such as dengue, Zika) to humans.
The Wolbachia method can work in two ways: Natural transmission: Some mosquito species can naturally become infected with the Wolbachia bacterium. These infected mosquitoes pass Wolbachia to their offspring, resulting in new generations of mosquitoes being naturally infected with this bacterium.
Wolbachia can prevent the spread of viral diseases by altering the reproductive capability of mosquitoes or reducing their ability to carry diseases.
Laboratory-based transmission: In some cases, Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes produced in laboratory conditions can be released into the natural population.
This method ensures that local mosquito populations become infected with Wolbachia, thereby helping to control the spread of diseases.
100 Million Eggs per Week The Wolbachia method is described as a promising strategy to prevent the spread of diseases by intervening in the natural breeding cycle of mosquitoes.
This method is particularly used for the control of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and malaria.
A new mosquito breeding laboratory, expected to be operational in Brazil by 2025, will increase the current production capacity tenfold, reaching 100 million eggs per week.
With nearly 500 registered deaths since the beginning of the year, Brazil’s strategy to combat this disease will initially be implemented in six cities.
What is Dengue Fever? Dengue fever, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
After an incubation period, the disease typically causes mild fever but can, in some cases, lead to death.
Cases usually increase during the “rainy seasons,” known as March, June, September, and December.
Scientists warn that high temperatures and prolonged rainfall contribute to an increase in mosquitoes carrying malaria and dengue fever.
Continuous spraying of potential breeding areas, typically stagnant water bodies where the mosquito species responsible for the disease lays its larvae, is necessary to prevent the disease.
