Latest News & Events
October 27, 2020
Heating deltamethrin may help it kill pesticide-resistant mosquitoes
A team of scientists increased the potency of commercial deltamethrin dust spray simply by melting a vial of it — either by heating it to 150° C in an oil bath for five minutes or by popping it in a 700-watt microwave for the same amount of time. While the microscopic deltamethrin crystals in the original spray have a haphazard structure, the melted deltamethrin crystals solidified into starburst shapes when they cooled to room temperature. Chemical bonds between deltamethrin molecules in the starburst-shaped crystals are not as strong as those in the original microcrystal structure. “The molecules are intrinsically less happy, or settled, in the arrangement,” said one of the investigators. So, when a mosquito lands on a dusting of starburst-shaped crystals, it should be easier for deltamethrin molecules to be absorbed into the insect’s body via its feet.
October 20, 2020
Realtime Tracking and Forecasting of Outbreak Risk Aedes-transmitted Diseases
Researchers led by Columbia University’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society and the Pan-American Health Organization have developed a system to monitor and forecast the environmental suitability of transmission of Zika, dengue fever, chikungunya and other diseases carried by species of Aedes mosquitos in the U.S. and neighboring regions.
Their results show that the forecasting skill of the new system is very good, with ‘hotspots’ of higher skill in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
October 20, 2020
Dengue in the context of COVID-19
The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) calls on Member States to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment, and at the same time to carry out actions for the eventual expansion of primary and specialized care services, mainly in places where a seasonal increase in the number of cases of dengue and other arbovirosis is expected, along with the increase in cases of COVID-19.
More details at: https://reliefweb.int/report/argentina/epidemiological-alert-dengue-context-covid-19-28-july-2020
October 07, 2020
New malaria mosquito threatens mass outbreaks in Africa
The recent discovery of Anopheles stephensi in Eastern Africa, the “appearance” of dengue and other arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti, and other mosquitoes capable of transmitting Rift Valley and West Nile Fevers “resurfacing” in other parts of the continent place additional and unexpected strains on national malaria vector control programs during a declared pandemic.
August 24, 2020
When it comes to mosquito Control: Are we doing the right thing? Are we doing Things Right?
A brief summary of the state of mosquito control activities around the globe.
See: http://gbchealth.org/when-it-comes-to-mosquito-control-are-we-doing-the-right-thing-are-we-doing-things-right/?-are-we-doing-things-right%3F%2F
THE FUTURE OF MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESs
From viruses to vectors to victims, no one knows what the future will bring, but we can assess the threat and risk of new pathogens nearing our borders. We will evaluate the conducive conditions that lead to outbreaks, identify potential disease threats and address the role of private industry and public partners in mitigating these risks through IPM-based mosquito control. EPA is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information it holds. By clicking the “Register” button below, you agree to receive emails from EPA regarding this webinar. In addition, you consent to allow EPA to use your information, in aggregate, to report on webinar attendance and participant demographics. EPA will not share your information with any outside entities.
16th Vector Control Working Group meeting, Geneva, Switzerland
TBA
88th Annual Meeting of the American Mosquito Control Association
Salt Lake, City
March 1 - 5, 2021
Details at: www. mosquito.org