Portugal releases 30,000 sterile mosquitoes to curb dengue risk
Portugal has released 30,000 sterile male Asian tiger mosquitoes in Lisbon this September, aiming to reduce the spread of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. The sterile insects are irradiated so they can mate but produce no offspring. Health officials warn that travelers returning from tropical areas could introduce viruses that local mosquitoes might transmit. By the end of October, Italy recorded 76 locally acquired dengue cases and France reported eight, highlighting the regional threat.
Key facts
- The sterile males were irradiated to ensure they mate without producing offspring.
- Asian tiger mosquitoes can carry dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses.
- Jan Semenza warned that returning travelers may bring viruses for local mosquitoes to spread.
- Italy's 76 dengue cases were acquired locally, not imported.
- France reported eight locally acquired dengue infections by the same date.
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Why it matters
Reducing mosquito populations can limit the spread of emerging viral diseases in Europe.
What changed
First published from Euronews