Photo source: Antara/elshinta.com.
Acting Governor of West Java ensures that Wolbachia mosquitoes are safe
Sigit Kurniawan Lifestyle Monday, 27 November 2023 – 23:47 WIB
Elshinta.com – Acting (Pj) Governor of West Java Bey Triadi Machmudin confirmed that the Wolbachia mosquito which is being tested in Bandung City to eradicate dengue hemorrhagic fever (DBD) is safe.
The reason is, said Bey, by using the wolbachia bacteria on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, it can prevent the emergence of the virus that causes dengue fever, so it is hoped that dengue fever cases along with the rainy season can be reduced, while minimizing the loss of life that occurs.
“It inhibits the development of dengue mosquitoes and has been tested. It is good for us in the future, reducing the development of mosquitoes that carry dengue fever,” said Bey at GOR Saparua Bandung, Monday.
Furthermore, Bey said that the provincial government is also encouraging community health centers in all districts and cities to carry out outreach regarding the benefits of the Wolbachia mosquito, so as not to cause doubt and worry among the community.
The West Java Provincial Government plans to develop Wolbachia mosquitoes in 26 other cities and districts, in order to eradicate dengue fever in West Java.
“We were notified from the community health center. So if this is safe, it’s not something dangerous. It will protect us in the future. The aim is good,” he said.
Wolbachia is a bacteria that can grow on the bodies of insects except the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Through a series of experiments, world researchers succeeded in inserting the Wolbachia bacteria, which is able to prevent the replication of the dengue virus, into the body of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
So that when the Aedes aegypti mosquito sucks human blood containing the dengue virus, then it will be resistant and will not spread to other human bodies.
Wolbachia bacteria can be transferred through eggs and are safe for humans. If a female mosquito with wolbachia mates with a male without wolbachia, all of her eggs will have wolbachia.
If a male mosquito with wolcahia mates with a female without wolbachia, the eggs will not hatch. If a male and female with Wolbachia mate, the offspring will automatically have Wolbachia.
However, Australian Griffith University epidemiologist Dicky Budiman reminded the Ministry of Health to be careful with using the wolbachia method to prevent dengue fever, because it has the potential to form new mutations.
The West Java Health Office itself noted that from January-June 2023 there were 7,512 cases of dengue fever in West Java, 49 of whom died.
The city of Bandung contributed the most dengue cases in West Java with 1,021 cases, while the city of Banjar had the fewest with 20 cases.
Source: Between
2023-11-27 16:47:00
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