Wolbachia Mosquito Project in Bontang City to Combat Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

Bontang City in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, is taking a unique approach to combat dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) by releasing mosquitoes. The city’s Health Office plans to release thousands of mosquitoes containing the Wolbachia bacteria in August 2023. This initiative aims to reduce the number of dengue cases in the area.

DHF is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. By releasing mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria, the spread of the dengue virus can be inhibited. Wolbachia bacteria prevent the virus from moving from mosquitoes to humans, effectively reducing the transmission of DHF.

The Wolbachia Technology Pilot Project, implemented by the Ministry of Health in Indonesia, will release mosquitoes containing Wolbachia bacteria in five cities, including Bontang. This project aims to reduce 77 percent of DHF cases and decrease hospital admissions by 86 percent.

The Wolbachia mosquitoes will interbreed with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, resulting in Wolbachia mosquito offspring. This cross-breeding will help reduce the spread of the dengue virus. Over time, the Aedes population carrying Wolbachia will replace the existing mosquito population.

The program involves injecting Wolbachia bacteria into the eggs of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. As the mosquitoes mature, they will carry the bacteria. Females carrying Wolbachia will lay eggs with the bacteria, while males with Wolbachia will produce eggs that cannot hatch. This process ensures that the mosquito population in the area contains Wolbachia.

The release of Wolbachia mosquitoes is expected to paralyze the dengue virus and suppress the insect population, ultimately reducing the incidence of DHF. The initiative has gained attention on social media, with an Instagram post about Bontang’s involvement in the project receiving 4,680 likes.

This innovative approach to combating DHF showcases Indonesia’s commitment to finding effective solutions to public health challenges. By utilizing Wolbachia bacteria, the country aims to significantly reduce the impact of dengue fever and protect its citizens from this mosquito-borne disease.

For more news updates and breaking news, visit Kompas.com and join the Telegram group “Kompas.com News Update.”

What is the objective of the Wolbachia Technology Pilot Project in Bontang City?

Bontang City in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, is adopting a unique strategy to combat dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) by releasing mosquitoes. The city’s Health Office has planned to release thousands of mosquitoes containing the Wolbachia bacteria in August 2023, with the goal of reducing the number of dengue cases in the area.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. By releasing mosquitoes with Wolbachia bacteria, the spread of the dengue virus can be inhibited. Wolbachia bacteria effectively prevent the virus from transferring from mosquitoes to humans, thereby reducing the transmission of DHF.

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia is implementing the Wolbachia Technology Pilot Project, which will release mosquitoes containing Wolbachia bacteria in five cities, including Bontang. The project aims to reduce 77 percent of DHF cases and decrease hospital admissions by 86 percent.

The Wolbachia mosquitoes will mate with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, resulting in offspring with Wolbachia bacteria. This cross-breeding will help curtail the spread of the dengue virus. Over time, the Aedes population carrying Wolbachia will replace the existing mosquito population.

The process involves injecting Wolbachia bacteria into Aedes aegypti mosquito eggs. As the mosquitoes mature, they will carry the bacteria. Females carrying Wolbachia will lay eggs containing the bacteria, while males with Wolbachia will produce eggs that do not hatch. This ensures that the mosquito population in the area contains Wolbachia.

The release of Wolbachia mosquitoes is expected to hinder the dengue virus and reduce the insect population, ultimately decreasing the occurrence of DHF. The initiative has garnered attention on social media, with an Instagram post about Bontang’s involvement in the project receiving 4,680 likes.

This innovative approach to combating DHF highlights Indonesia’s commitment to finding effective solutions to public health challenges. By utilizing Wolbachia bacteria, the country aims to significantly lessen the impact of dengue fever and safeguard its citizens from this mosquito-borne disease.

For more news updates and breaking news, visit Kompas.com and join the Telegram group “Kompas.com News Update.”