The United States has released genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida to curb the rising risk of outbreaks of many diseases including dengue and zika virus. According to experts, genetically modified mosquitoes can effectively control their population.

Earlier, successful tests were conducted in Brazil, Cayman Islands, Panama and Malaysia, where the population of the Aedes ate – a known vector of several viruses, including yellow fever and chikungunya – dropped to at least 90 percent. Experts say that these malignant species make for 4 percent of the total local mosquito population, they are sufficient to wreak havoc. Female Aedes ate mosquitoes are primary vectors that transmit viral diseases in humans.

How was genetic amendment?

Scientists say that male mosquitoes have been revived genetically to introduce a gene that causes female children to die in early larvae stages while male children survive. This gene will then pass generations to come. This method can ensure a significant decline in the population of female Aedes aepti mosquitoes, which can then reduce the disease transmission.

While male mosquitoes do not feed on the blood and survive on nectar and plant juice, they also do not cut it because they are devoid of any particular mouthparts, known as the trunk, need to pierce the skin and feed on the blood.

The findings of the experiment published in the journal Nature were conducted as researchers to install a capture device to collect both adult mosquitoes and their eggs.

It was found that once the modified mosquitoes matured, their behavior and flight range reflected the wild mosquitoes closely. The modified male mosquitoes are successfully paired with wild women, and as a result the egg was brought to a laboratory for observation.

Scientists analyzing more than 20,000 eggs found that only male mosquitoes reached adulthood only, confirming that the deadly genes had started working. The modified genes, due to which the female children were destroyed, remained effective for only two to three months, about three generations of mosquitoes.

Additionally, according to nature, mosquitoes carrying malignant genes were found within 400 meters of release sites.

How do modified mosquito prevent diseases?

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that genetically modified mosquitoes have reduced the number of an ategi species-and if women carrying the disease decrease in the number, they are not able to spread viral diseases like zika, dengue and yellow fever to the spread of these infections.

This continuous release ensures that the population gradually collapses without the need for rigorous chemical intervention. Reducing the number of mosquitoes spreading germs helps reduce the possibility of starting an outbreak. Low mosquitoes would mean they will have fewer opportunities for the virus they take to spread.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, release of modified mosquitoes in communities does not cause any risk to people, animals or environment.

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