Colombian Mosquito Factory Leading Fight Against Dengue Fever and Misinformation
Discover how a Colombian mosquito factory is leading the fight against dengue fever with genetically modified insects and innovative technology. Learn about the significant decrease in dengue cases in Antioquia department and the misconceptions surrounding this groundbreaking project. Explore the use of Wolbachia bacterium to enhance mosquito immunity and prevent the spread of deadly diseases.
Trinidad and Tobago Reports First Dengue Fatality Since 2017
Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announces the first dengue fever fatality in Trinidad since 2017, with 126 confirmed cases this year. Globally, there have been 7.6 million cases and 3,000 deaths reported by the WHO. The Ministry of Health in Trinidad intensifies efforts to combat dengue transmission, including stricter actions against those neglecting preventive measures and utilizing ULV spraying to eliminate infected mosquitoes.
Increase in Dengue Fever Cases Reported in Malaysia
Health officials in Malaysia report an increase in dengue fever cases during the 20th epidemiological week, with two deaths attributed to the disease. The cumulative number of cases for the year has reached 59,681, with 42 reported deaths. Efforts to prevent dengue transmission are urged, especially during the current school holiday season.
Brazil Unveils Wolbachia Biofactory to Combat Dengue
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Fiocruz, unveiled the Wolbachia Biofactory in Belo Horizonte to combat dengue and other arboviruses. The facility will produce Aedes aegypti mosquitoes using the Wolbachia Method, playing a crucial role in preparing for future epidemics. Managed by Fiocruz and WMP, the Biofactory aims to release two million mosquitoes weekly to create a population incapable of transmitting diseases. This innovative strategy involves releasing Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes to prevent the transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses.
Los Angeles Releases Sterile Male Mosquitoes to Combat Aggressive Females
Learn how the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District is combatting aggressive female mosquitoes by releasing sterile male mosquitoes into the local environment. This innovative pilot program aims to disrupt the breeding cycle of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, known for transmitting diseases like yellow fever and Zika. By leveraging scientific advancements, Los Angeles is taking proactive measures to protect public health and create a safer community.
Singapore Sees Surge in Dengue Cases in First Quarter of 2024
Singapore experiences a surge in dengue cases, with over 5,000 reported in the first quarter of 2024, more than double the cases reported during the same period in 2023. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued a statement urging the public to take proactive measures to combat dengue, as seven dengue-related deaths were reported in the island state as of March 25. The recent spike in cases has raised concerns and prompted the NEA to intensify efforts to prevent mosquito breeding.
Global Dengue Crisis Reaches Unprecedented Levels
The global impact of the unprecedented spread of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, has raised concerns as reported cases surged from 500,000 to 5.2 million from 2000 to 2019. Regions such as South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South America have witnessed chronic dengue outbreaks, prompting emergency declarations and vaccination campaigns. Bangladesh recorded a record high of 300,000 dengue infections in 2022, marking a threefold increase from previous years, raising concerns about its sudden emergence in various parts of the world.
New Gene-Editing Tools Show Promise in Controlling Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes
In the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne diseases, scientists have developed new gene-editing tools that show promise in controlling and potentially eradicating disease-carrying mosquitoes. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever cause over 700,000 deaths annually, posing…