New Tool: ProSource
Checkout our packaging and processing solutions finder, ProSource.
Start Your Search

Manipulated Mosquitoes Cut Dengue by 77%

The World Mosquito Programme conducted a “groundbreaking” trial in Indonesia that could eradicate dengue.

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, wasn’t that common 50 years ago. In fact, only nine countries had severe outbreaks. But since then, it’s been on a steady incline to the point that there are now 400 million infections a year that contribute to 22,000 deaths. Thankfully, we have the World Mosquito Programme, a group that’s fighting the tropical mosquito disease head-on with genetically modified mosquitoes.

The insects are infected with Wolbachia, a bacteria that inhibits viruses’ ability to live inside the insects, and also controls reproduction so that offspring are also infected with the bacteria. The result is a new population of insects that can’t transmit viruses like dengue, yellow fever and Zika. The study in Indonesia included 8,000 people, and concluded with protective efficacy of 77.1%. 

Discover Our Content Hub
Access Healthcare Packaging's free educational content library!
Unlock Learning Here
Discover Our Content Hub
Test Your Supply Chain Smarts
Take Healthcare Packaging's supply chain quiz to prove your knowledge!
Take Quiz
Test Your Supply Chain Smarts