Brazil is taking further action to combat the severe outbreak of dengue fever by implementing a new strategy. This involves releasing mosquitoes infected with bacteria in six cities. These mosquitoes, known as anti-dengue mosquitoes, are genetically modified to either die before reaching adulthood or become incapable of transmitting the dengue virus.
Dengue fever is more common in wetter environments and is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates, and breed in stagnant water.
Due to the significant number of probable cases and confirmed deaths, Brazil is intensifying its efforts to combat the outbreak. Health authorities are increasing preventive measures, including thorough inspections to eliminate stagnant water containers that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Ethel Maciel, the secretary for health surveillance at the health ministry, emphasized the importance of updated strategies to address the changing patterns of dengue fever. The Wolbachia method, which involves introducing a bacteria not naturally found in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, has shown promise in reducing dengue transmission. This method has already been implemented in five Brazilian cities, protecting 3.2 million individuals.
With funding of 80 million reais, an expansion of the Wolbachia method will now cover an additional 1.7 million people in six new municipalities. This initiative involves breeding Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, affectionately called “wolbitos” by Brazilians, in a laboratory in Rio de Janeiro.
These mosquitoes will then be released to suppress the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Catia Cabral, the laboratory head, emphasized the proposal for a bigger facility to support the growing activities. The efficiency of the Wolbachia method in Niteroi, where dengue cases are still relatively low, demonstrates its effectiveness.
Axel Grael, the mayor of Niteroi, attributed the city’s achievement in reducing dengue transmission to the Wolbachia approach. Studies have shown a significant reduction in dengue, chikungunya, and Zika cases linked to the deployment of Wolbachia.
