Regions of the U.S. where mosquitoes are prevalent, and which are closer to other parts of the Americas, are at potential risk from Zika virus, as well as other mosquito carried viruses like dengue (which can cause a hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal); and chikungunya (which can lead to joint pain can often persist for several months or years.) For this reason, the FDA are proposing testing out new mosquito control measures.
However, not all residents of Florida, especially those living in the community of Key Haven, are convinced that such measures are necessary. This is based on a study conducted at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The survey revealed 50 percent of the population did not regard mosquitoes as a nuisance. While there was a majority (around 66 percent) who had no objections to some measures being considered to control populations, 60 percent were opposed to the use of genetically modified mosquitoes being used.
Here genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, designed to try to stop transmission of the disease, could be used. The idea is to use a mosquito that has been genetically modified male mosquito that, when it breeds with females, produces offspring that cannot breed. The idea is that this will gradually lead to a reduction in the mosquito population that can carry the virus. The mosquitoes are modified using synthetic DNA.
The majority of residents were reported to be at least “a little worried” about the use of genetically modified organisms within their community. Social campaigner, JasonThompson (@thompj2atunlv) tweeted: “A Mosquito Solution (More Mosquitoes) Raises Heat in Florida Keys.”
Similarly, computational biologist Iddo Friedberg (@iddux) picked up on the public dissent, tweeting: “Opposition in Florida Keys to release sterile male mosquitoes in fight against Zika/Dengue/Chikungunya.”
Speaking about the survey results to the website Laboratory Roots, Dr. Meghan McGinty, of the university, said: “Public health officials are going to be faced with important decisions about mosquitoes and how to best protect citizens. People will have objections and it is critical for them to be heard. Our research provides a starting point to understand how the community feels and to begin a dialogue about how to address mosquito-borne diseases.”
The study results are published in the journal PLOS Current Outbreaks. The research is headed “Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquito Use to Reduce Mosquito-Transmitted Disease in the US: A Community Opinion Survey.”
