Using male Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti (Wolbachia-Aedes) mosquitoes to reduce the dengue mosquito population
NEA’s Environmental Health Institute has studied various novel mosquito control methods, and has found that the Wolbachia-Aedes suppression technology is most suitable for Singapore’s context. NEA’s Dengue Expert Advisory Panel (DEAP), comprising experts from Singapore, Australia, the UK, and the US, has also recommended that Singapore explore the use of the Wolbachia-Aedes suppression technology to further reduce the risk of dengue.
Releases of male Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes have reduced Aedes aegypti mosquito populations at study sites in Yishun and Tampines, Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Batok towns by up to 98 per cent. Correspondingly, the core areas of the study sites with at least one year of releases saw up to 88 per cent fewer dengue cases, compared to areas without releases. Click on the links below to find out more about Wolbachia-Aedes technology:
NEA’s phased approach
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Vector Control Advisory Group recommends that Wolbachia suppression technology be carefully piloted under operational conditions. These pilots should involve rigorous, independent monitoring and evaluation.
In line with these recommendations, NEA has been testing and implementing Wolbachia-Aedes suppression via a phased approach. Our trials start small and, if successful, progress in size and complexity. This allows us to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and to design the next phase based on solid evidence. Such a phased approach is now recommended by the WHO and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Click on the phase you are interested in to find out more: