Brazil uses ‘good mosquitoes’ to stop the spread of Dengue

We all know that dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes, but did you know that mosquitoes can also help beat the disease? In an attempt to thwart the spread of the disease, Brazilian researchers recently released around 10,000 ‘good mosquitoes’ in Rio de Janeiro infected with bacteria that suppresses Dengue fever. The project ‘Eliminate the dengue: Challenge Brazil’ by state Brazilian laboratory Fiocruz was initiated under the hope that they would multiply, breed and become the majority of mosquitoes, thus reducing cases of the disease, the BBC reported.

The intercellular bacteria, Wolbachia, found in 60 percent of insects, could not be transmitted to humans and it acts like a vaccine for the mosquito which carries Dengue, Aedes Aegypti, stopping the Dengue virus multiplying in its body. Ten thousands mosquitoes would be released each month for four months with the first release in Tubiacanga, in the north of Rio.

Wolbachia also has an effect on reproduction. If a contaminated male fertilizes the eggs of a female without the bacteria, these eggs do not turn into larvae. If the male and female are contaminated or if only a female has the bacteria, all future generations of mosquito would carryWolbachia . The plan was part of a programme also taking place in Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Here are a few simple and practical tips to keep dengue at bay:

Tip # 1: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to bite humans during the day and their most common breeding grounds are man made containers with stagnant water. Therefore, it is advisable to not have any stagnant water around your home. Remember to clean out empty flower pots and not to over water potted plants. If the container that contains water cannot be emptied, remember to cover it well when not in use.

Tip # 2:Since your mother is already ill with dengue, try to not let mosquitoes bite her or others in the house. This will only lead to the

Tip # 3:Turn over empty pails and buckets, so that they do not collect excess water.

Tip # 4:Use mosquito repellents regularly. Apply it well on all exposed areas, during the day as well as at night. Readm ore about World Health Day 2014: Dengue prevention — 10 tips to stay safe from the disease

With inputs from ANI

Photo source: Getty images

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• Dengue fever: Symptoms, medication and prevention

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