Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

Wolbachia to be injected to dengue mosquitoes

22 February 2020 10:19 am - 2     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The pilot project to release Wolbachia to Dematagoda and Nugegoda areas will take place on March 2, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) Director Dr. Anura Jayasekera said.

He told Daily Mirror the bacteria 'Wolbachia' is to be injected into the bodies of the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes - the main carriers of the dengue virus.

Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium, which can stop mosquitoes from transmitting an infection to humans, is a mean to curb the spread of the dengue virus.

Dr. Jayasekera said Wolbachia is found in up to 60% of insects, but not usually in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector of dengue and that the awareness programme on this matter was held on February 17.

“This is an advantageous prevention method because it does not require genetic modification, is not toxic and is self-sustaining, making it cost-effective as well,” he said. “Cases of dengue infection have declined significantly and drastically in the 13 counties including Australia, Brazil, Indonesia and Vietnam where lab-grown mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia were released.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jayasekera said they were hoping to launch several such programmes this year to reduce dengue infection and in a special manner, “we have compiled a special strategic plan to address this issue considering the increasing trend of dengue cases during the past 10 years”. (Sheain Fernandopulle) 


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 2

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Patriot Saturday, 22 February 2020 02:39 PM

    Extraordinary Sri Lanka, where the doctors are “experts” in every field. Dr Jeyasekera is a medical doctor, what does he knows about the science of infections other than what is available in the Google.

    lawry Saturday, 22 February 2020 09:40 PM

    How should a common man understand when it is said "inject Wolbachia into mosquitoes" what does that really mean?


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H