Djibouti has released tens of thousands of genetically modified mosquitoes developed by UK-based Oxitec to combat the spread of malaria. These non-biting male mosquitoes carry a gene that kills female offspring before they mature, aiming to reduce the population of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. This initiative, part of the Djibouti Friendly Mosquito Program, is a pilot phase to address the rising malaria cases in the country. Similar technology has been used successfully in other countries, and the project aims to reverse the spike in malaria transmission in Djibouti.
Brazil is facing a record-high number of dengue fever cases, prompting scientists to release genetically modified mosquitoes to combat the disease. The mosquitoes, developed by biotech company Oxitec, carry a gene that kills female offspring before they reach adulthood, reducing the spread of the virus. This approach is being tested in various Brazilian cities, including those under states of emergency. Other strategies, such as using Wolbachia bacteria, are also being explored to control the disease.
British biotech company Oxitec is releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in Brazil to combat the surge in dengue fever cases. The modified male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carry a gene that kills female offspring, reducing the overall mosquito population. Brazil has seen over 973,000 likely dengue cases and 195 deaths so far this year. The city of Suzano, in the state of Sao Paulo, has declared a state of emergency and is using the solution to combat the outbreak.
