'Miraculous' mosquito hack cuts dengue by 77%

[muriel_volestrangler]

Dengue fever cases have been cut by 77% in a "groundbreaking" trial that manipulates the mosquitoes that spread it, say scientists.

They used mosquitoes infected with "miraculous" bacteria that reduce the insect's ability to spread dengue.
...
Wolbachia doesn't harm the mosquito, but it camps out in the same parts of its body that the dengue virus needs to get into.

The bacteria compete for resources and make it much harder for dengue virus to replicate, so the mosquito is less likely to cause an infection when it bites again.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57417219

Even better - 86% reduction in people needing hospital care.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

1. It's a good thing it doesn't harm the mosquitos, wouldn't want that

For reals though, this is great news. Science, bitches!

[Scrivener7]

2. That is amazing. That will make a huge difference in the world.

And for some reason, it seems to me that the fact that the mosquitoes are not harmed might mean that there will be less to worry about with respect to unintended consequences.

[soothsayer]

3. Right! As long as it doesn't hurt critters who eat em

[RegularJam]

4. While very minor in the US...

It has a larger impact elsewhere. Most all cases in the US(48) originate from travelers. This might be a good option for places like Brazil.

We also need to pay attention as US(48) cases have dramatically increased since 2019. Still very small in numbers and overwhelmingly travel related.

[C_U_L8R]

5. Please do the same with ticks!

[JanMichael]

10. Agreed. Nasty monsters. nt

[Hortensis]

6. So many miracles are happening in our time.

And many more to come.

Regarding not harming the mosquitoes, I was surprised when a mosquito expert said on TV that it probably wouldn’t hurt anything if we lost a species or two because there are so many. They never say that! But if they were going to, you’d think it might just be about mosquitoes. Bless their tiny hearts.

[chowder66]

7. Science is amazing. nt

[JanMichael]

8. Thank gawd for "hacks".

I crap on that term. But nice that science and researchers have done a good thing as apposed to boner pills where the really real $$ is at.

[muriel_volestrangler]

9. I share your dislike of the term, but decided to keep the BBC title

through laziness more than anything, I admit. But yes, it's a good news story.