Time: 2024-08-08
In Naquera , Spain , a laboratory is taking action to combat the spread of Dengue fever by breeding and sterilizing thousands of Asian tiger mosquitoes . These efforts are crucial as Climate change has created a more favorable environment for the invasive species to proliferate across Europe . The Biological Pest Control Centre in Valencia is using an electron accelerator to sterilize male mosquitoes , releasing about 45,000 of them weekly to mate with females and reduce the overall mosquito population . This initiative is essential in preventing the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever , which is spread through mosquito bites.
The sterilization process involves separating female pupae from males using a machine , followed by irradiation to sterilize the males . While similar techniques have been utilized in other parts of the world , the Biological Pest Control Centre in Valencia is pioneering their use on Asian tiger mosquitoes in Europe . This innovation comes at a critical time when there is a growing concern over the rise of mosquito - borne illnesses like dengue , zika , and chikungunya . Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control indicates an increase in imported cases of dengue and local outbreaks of West Nile virus and dengue in Europe.
Efforts to combat the spread of dengue fever are crucial as the Asian tiger mosquito , also known as Aedes albopictus , continues to expand its range across Europe . Currently , self - sustaining populations of this mosquito species exist in 13 countries , including Spain . The World Health Organization has reported a global increase in dengue rates , highlighting the importance of proactive measures to control mosquito populations and prevent the transmission of diseases . By utilizing innovative sterilization techniques , the Biological Pest Control Centre in Valencia is at the forefront of efforts to mitigate the impact of mosquito - borne illnesses in Europe.
The fight against dengue fever and other mosquito - borne diseases is an ongoing battle that requires collaborative efforts from researchers , policymakers , and the public . As climate change continues to create conditions conducive to the spread of invasive mosquito species , innovative strategies such as sterilization become essential tools in disease prevention . With the implementation of these proactive measures , there is hope for reducing the impact of dengue fever and other mosquito - borne illnesses on public health in Europe and beyond.
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