Genetically modified ( GM ) mosquitoes have been produced by a British company recently taken over by one based in USA. GM males carry a gene that stops their offspring developing properly - dying before they can reproduce and become carriers of disease. Such mosquitoes have already been approved for use in Brazil - and millions previously trialled in Brazil, the Cayman Islands, Panama and Malaysia. ( Another form of GM mosquitoes may resist the parasites causing diseases.) The USA Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has yet to produce an " environmental impact " report.


Of course there are downsides to removing mosquitoes - there may be effects on the food chain for animals ; any surviving GM offspring could be more aggressive and dangerous. There seems no realistic chance of ever killing an entire species of mosquitoes in this way.


Now World Health Organization ( WHO ) is worried that three to four million people may be affected in the Americas this year. A WHO " Zika emergency team " will meet next week to decide whether it should be treated as a global emergency, like Ebola. WHO doesn’t want to be accused ( again ) of acting slowly. Next month’s Carnival, and August’s Olympic Games, add urgency to the issue.


ALL countries already affected, and those with mosquitoes already carrying other diseases, need to be prepared by :-

1.Vector ( carrier ) control ( such as removing water-containing sources; using fish that feed on larvae ; insecticide spraying; GM mosquitoes ).

2.SENSIBLE risk communication ( health information, such as use of repellents and appropriate clothing ; travel advice, especially for pregnant women ).

3.Careful testing and observing for associated diseases ( association NOT necessarily causation ).

4.Best treatment of the 1/5 cases with symptoms - NO antiviral drugs yet available.

5.Speeding up research for effective VACCINES.


Once again, the situation is evolving - posts so far here will soon be out of date ; this is also not a medical Forum but I've updated members as best I can !