The Brave Science of Mosquito Bites

Volunteers in Salt Lake City are allowing South American mosquitoes to feed on their blood to help maintain a colony for education and research at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District. Mosquitoes are a major public health concern as they can carry viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. With climate change creating a warmer and wetter environment, mosquito populations are expected to strengthen. Local agencies in the United States reported over 1,100 cases of West Nile virus in 2022. Mosquito control efforts are becoming increasingly important as the mosquito season starts earlier and lasts longer.