Latest news with #AedesAegypti
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New invasive mosquito pilot program launching in July
( — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is launching a new invasive mosquito control program next month in South Natomas. The sterile male mosquito pilot program aims to combat the spread of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, reduce mosquito populations, and protect residents' health. The program starts in July and runs through October. Investigation underway after dead body found wrapped in blanket in Sacramento 'Invasive mosquitoes have been spreading rapidly within our area,' said Luz Maria Robles, Public Information Officer for the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District. 'Over the last few years, we've definitely been picking more and more of them up in our traps. So we've been finding more adults as well as more immature mosquitoes in those small sources where they breed.' The spread of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which was initially brought to California in a shipment of bamboo plants, is surging in Northern California. Allowing them to breed, stagnant pools of water. Flower pots, bird baths, and outdoor dog bowls, for example, can become breeding grounds for these pests. How does ICE know who to deport? 'A container as small as a bottle cap of water would be enough to breed these mosquitoes,' said Robles. As populations of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes grow, so does the chance of contracting dangerous and even deadly diseases. Deputies seize nearly 7,000 marijuana plants in Northern California drug bust 'They pose a health threat for dengue, zika, and chikungunya,' Robles said. 'Now that we have these mosquitoes very well established in our area, we could see locally acquired cases of dengue.' That's why the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District is launching this program. Robles said mosquito control staff will release sterile male mosquitoes twice a week in South Natomas once the program begins. 'We'll be releasing sterile males that have a bacteria called Wolbachia,' she said. 'When they mate with the wild females in the area, then their eggs won't hatch. So it's a way of reducing mosquito populations over time.' These sterile male mosquitoes don't bite either, easing concerns for South Natomas residents already experiencing swarms of mosquitoes. 'You have to put up, like, you know, like shades, or you have to put up a curtain, you know what I mean? Like, so the mosquitoes don't get around or irritate you. It's a problem,' said area resident Jalen Garrison. 'Now I feel more safer with them combating, you know, what was just a nuisance like 3 or 4 years ago,' said Garrison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Certain people are mosquito magnets, and turns out THIS is the reason why
A recent study reveals that some individuals are more attractive to mosquitoes due to high levels of specific fatty acids on their skin. These carboxylic acids, produced by skin bacteria, create a unique body odor that mosquitoes find irresistible. Researchers identified 'mosquito magnets' who consistently attracted more mosquitoes, highlighting the complexity and redundancy of the mosquito's scent-detection system. Ever wondered why the mosquitoes always seem to find you, even in a room full of people? When a female mosquito is on the hunt for some fresh blood, she has certain preferences, just like you ask the barista for a slim oat milk latte with a shot of vanilla. Yes, mosquitoes are picky. Female mosquitoes pick the human species by tracking our CO2 exhalations, body heat, and body odor. But some people seem to be mosquito magnets than others. Many believe this is due to things like blood type, blood sugar, eating garlic or bananas, or being a woman or child. However, most of these ideas lack strong scientific proof, says Leslie Vosshall, a scientist at Rockefeller Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Behavior. Vosshall and Maria Elena De Obaldia, a former postdoc in her lab, looked at the popular theory to explain varying mosquito appeal: individual odor variations connected to skin microbiota. They found that certain fatty acids emanating from the skin may create a heady perfume that mosquitoes can't resist. The findings are published in the Cell journal. 'There's a very, very strong association between having large quantities of these fatty acids on your skin and being a mosquito magnet,' Vosshall, the Robin Chemers Neustein Professor at The Rockefeller University and Chief Scientific Officer of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, said in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo A tournament no one wants to win To understand the mechanism of this selection, the researchers conducted a three-year study. The eight participants were asked to wear nylon stockings on their forearms for six hours daily, over several days. The worn nylons were then tested against one another in a round-robin style 'tournament' using a custom-built plexiglass olfactometer. In each round, mosquitoes were given a choice between two nylons, and researchers observed which one they preferred. They placed Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector species for Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, in the main chamber and observed as the insects flew down the tubes towards one nylon or the other. For Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the most compelling was Subject 33, who was four times more attractive to the mosquitoes than the next most-attractive study participant, and an astonishing 100 times more appealing than the least attractive, Subject 19. The samples in the trials were anonymous, so researchers didn't know which participant wore which nylon. Yet, they noticed that something was unusual about Subject 33, because insects would swarm towards that sample. 'It would be obvious within a few seconds of starting the assay. It's the type of thing that gets me really excited as a scientist. This is something real. This is not splitting hairs. This is a huge effect,' De Obaldia said. The researchers grouped participants into high and low mosquito attractors and looked for what set them apart. Chemical tests revealed 50 compounds that were more common in the skin oil (sebum) of those who attracted more mosquitoes. They also found that these people produced much higher levels of carboxylic acids, substances that skin bacteria use to create unique body odour in humans. To double-check their results, the team ran a second study with 56 new participants. Once again, Subject 33 attracted the most mosquitoes, and continued to do so over time. 'Some subjects were in the study for several years, and we saw that if they were a mosquito magnet, they remained a mosquito magnet. Many things could have changed about the subject or their behaviors over that time, but this was a very stable property of the person,' De Obaldia added. What's the science behind Humans produce two classes of odors that mosquitoes detect with two different sets of odor receptors: Orco and IR receptors. To test whether they could make mosquitoes that couldn't detect humans, researchers created genetically modified mosquitoes missing one or both key scent receptors. The orco mutants remained attracted to humans and were able to distinguish between mosquito magnets and low attractors, while IR mutants lost their attraction to humans to a varying degree, but still retained the ability to find humans. 'The goal was a mosquito that would lose all attraction to people, or a mosquito that had a weakened attraction to everybody and couldn't discriminate Subject 19 from Subject 33. That would be tremendous. And yet that was not what we saw. It was frustrating,' Vosshall added. These findings support another study by Vosshall, which showed how complex and reliable the mosquito's sense of smell is. Female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes depend on blood to survive and reproduce, so their scent-detection system has multiple backups to make sure they can always find a human host. 'Without blood, she can't do either. That's why she has a backup plan and a backup plan and a backup plan and is tuned to these differences in the skin chemistry of the people she goes after,' Vosshall says. Mosquitoes have such a strong sense of smell that it's hard to imagine they'll ever stop targeting humans. However, one possible solution is to change the bacteria on our skin. For example, covering the skin of someone who attracts lots of mosquitoes (like Subject 33) with skin oils and bacteria from someone who doesn't (like Subject 19) might help hide them from mosquitoes. Trump's Health Secrets EXPOSED? Nearly HALF of America Thinks Prez is HIDING Medical Truths | WATCH 'We haven't done that experiment. That's a hard experiment. But if that were to work, then you could imagine that by having a dietary or microbiome intervention where you put bacteria on the skin that are able to somehow change how they interact with the sebum, then you could convert someone like Subject 33 into a Subject 19. But that's all very speculative,' Vosshall added. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
CNA
03-06-2025
- General
- CNA
Not all pain medications are safe to take during dengue season
Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness common in subtropical and tropical regions, poses a significant public health concern in Singapore. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), there were between 89 and 118 dengue cases weekly in May 2025, bringing the total to almost 2,020 cases since the year began. A major dengue risk factor in Singapore is the high population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. According to NEA, dengue transmission typically increases during the warmer months from May to October, as higher temperatures accelerate the development of the Aedes mosquito and speed up the multiplication of the dengue virus within them. UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS Common dengue symptoms include mild to high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting and skin rash. However, not all dengue patients exhibit the characteristic rash. Routine dengue tests are most sensitive 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, which means that testing too early could lead to a false negative result. 'Every day, numerous patients with undiagnosed dengue present with a fever at the accident and emergency departments of hospitals,' said Dr Sanjeev Shanker, emergency medicine specialist at StarMed Specialist Centre. 'It is important to differentiate dengue from other minor viral febrile (fever-related) illnesses as dengue patients require careful and prolonged monitoring to ensure that they do not develop severe dengue.' 00:30 Min Severe dengue symptoms include abdominal pain, persistent vomiting and bleeding gums, and require immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications. 'If you develop dengue symptoms, are aware that you have been bitten by mosquitoes, or are living in a known dengue cluster, consult your doctor to test for the illness,' advised Dr Sanjeev. MANAGING DENGUE SYMPTOMS EFFECTIVELY Dengue patients often experience a low platelet count, especially as the illness progresses, which is why it is important to choose the right medication to manage pain and fever. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines caution against the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin to treat these symptoms as they can potentially increase the risk of bleeding. 'Platelets are blood cells that help with blood clotting. This means that dengue patients with low platelet counts are at a higher risk of excessive bleeding,' explained Dr Vandana Garg, medical and scientific affairs lead (Southeast Asia and Taiwan), Haleon Singapore. 'This may be exacerbated by the use of NSAIDs, which can hamper the recovery of the patient's platelet count or prevent the optimal functioning of remaining platelets.' WHO recommends paracetamol as the primary medication for managing fever and pain caused by dengue. 'Paracetamol is available in various formulations like syrups, tablets and suppositories, and is suitable for use in children, adults and the elderly, when used as directed,' added Dr Garg. STEPPING UP PREVENTION EFFORTS Dr Sanjeev emphasised the importance of proactive measures from the government and the community in implementing preventive strategies to curb mosquito breeding and minimise the risk of bites. Suggested measures include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents and eliminating potential breeding sites around homes. 'Be extra vigilant if your neighbourhood is a dengue cluster. This is usually indicated by posters in public areas stating the number of dengue cases detected,' Dr Sanjeev said. He also highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in preventing the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which can be achieved by following the 'BLOCK' steps: Break up hardened soil; lift and empty flowerpot plates; overturn pails and wipe their rims; change water in vases; and keep roof gutters clear. By enhancing understanding of dengue symptoms, following WHO guidelines for symptom management and actively engaging in dengue prevention efforts, everyone can do their part to minimise dengue outbreaks and foster a healthier environment for all.
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Aussies warned to take precaution after dengue fever outbreak in Cook Islands
Cook Islands – a popular travel spot for Australians – is warning travellers to take precautions after seven cases of dengue fever prompted a health emergency. The Cook Islands Health Ministry confirmed two cases of illness last week, taking to seven cases reported within a 18-day span. The cases are currently confined to the isle of Rarotonga, and measures are being taken to prevent its spread to the outer islands of Pa Enua. Health authorities have launched Operation Namu25 as a comprehensive initiative to clear mosquito breeding grounds and prevent the transmission of the fever. Certain species of mosquito – the Aedes aegypti – primarily transport the dengue infection. The symptoms of the mosquito-borne viral infection include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and skin rashes. In more fatal cases, it can lead to serious health complications that require hospitalisation. Most cases of dengue fever enter Australia through travellers, who are advised to use insect repellent while in the Pacific Islands and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms
CBS News
10-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Invasive mosquito known for dengue, yellow fever found in Antioch
An invasive mosquito has been found in Antioch, the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District said Friday. The species, Aedes aegypti, is capable of transmitting pathogens that can cause Zika virus, dengue fever, and yellow fever. The species was found in an area of Antioch where the district also found invasive mosquitoes last fall. District employees recently re-inspected locations where the mosquitoes were previously found. A sample taken this week from one of those properties contained young mosquitoes developing in the water and one recently emerged adult. The district said in a statement it will likely find more of these mosquitoes as it inspects more properties. An Aedes aegypti mosquito is pictured at a laboratory of the Center for Parasitological and Vector Studies (CEPAVE) of the national scientific research institute CONICET, in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, on March 26, 2024. Researchers at CONICET are studying the biology, genetic characteristics and behaviour of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, transmitter of dengue, zika and chikungunya, and creating biological control strategies as Argentina is facing a significant growing number of dengue cases. LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images "As the district's main goal is to protect public health for all Contra Costa County residents, at this time, we need Antioch residents to be extra vigilant to remove any amount of standing water that is present in your front and back yard," the district's operations manager David Wexler said in the statement. "Scheduling a district inspection of your front and back yard is strongly recommended, as Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found in hard-to-find locations." Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are very small, about a quarter-inch, with black bodies and pearly white stripes and spots. They lay sticky eggs above the water line in any size container that holds water, including potted plants or other outdoor containers. Because of their disease risk and their ability to grow from egg to adult in even very small amounts of water, the district said it is critically important that residents work with the district to prevent them from becoming established in the area. The district says to dump out any amount of standing water from any back or front yard container, including buckets, toys, tires, fountains, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, and that people should report unmaintained swimming pools to the district. It also says people should wear mosquito repellent when outside and report any daytime mosquito biting to the district at (925) 685-9301 or can go to
