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Tiger Mosquitoes to Fight Dengue: Spanish Lab's Sterilization Project

Dengue Prevention with a Unique Approach

A Spanish laboratory has embarked on an innovative project to curb the spread of dengue fever. They are breeding and sterilizing thousands of tiger mosquitoes, the primary vectors of the virus. The aim of this initiative is to reduce the mosquito population and, subsequently, the incidence of dengue transmission.

Sterilization Technique for Mosquito Control

The laboratory uses a technique known as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This involves rearing male mosquitoes in large numbers, sterilizing them using radiation, and releasing them into the wild. Once released, these sterile males mate with wild female mosquitoes, producing eggs that fail to hatch. Over time, this can lead to a dramatic reduction in the mosquito population.