According to CBS News, scientists in Sarasota County, Florida have discovered mosquitoes that tested positive for malaria. This comes after locally-acquired cases of the disease were found in Florida and Texas, two states where genetically-modified mosquitoes have been authorized for release by US authorities.
Florida has reported four locally-acquired cases of malaria in the past two months, while Texas has reported one case. These are the first instances of the mosquito-borne illness being transmitted within the US since 2003.
Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services revealed that they found malaria in three mosquitoes collected in the same woodlot. These mosquitoes, along with hundreds of other suspected carriers of the malaria-causing parasite, have been sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing.
So far, all mosquitoes tested in Texas have shown no signs of carrying malaria, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Malaria is a disease spread by infected female anopheles mosquitoes, who transfer blood from infected humans to subsequent victims. It causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, chills, and other flu-like symptoms. Although treatable, malaria can be fatal if not addressed in a timely manner. In 2021, approximately 619,000 people died from malaria worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization.
The genetically-modified mosquitoes in Florida and Texas were released as part of a project authorized by the US Environmental Protection Agency three years ago. The project, carried out by British biotech firm Oxitec and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed to increase the proportion of non-biting male mosquitoes by engineering the male offspring to die off.
Oxitec has conducted experiments on anopheles mosquitoes and the Aedes aegypti variant, which carries Zika, dengue, and yellow fever. The project faced significant criticism from locals in Florida. While there is currently no evidence connecting Oxitec to the recent outbreaks, a 2019 study suggested that the company’s modifications may have inadvertently created stronger and more resilient mosquitoes. Oxitec disputes this finding.
The Florida authorities saw genetically-modified mosquitoes as a potential alternative to chemical insecticides, which can be harmful to human health and lose effectiveness over time due to mosquito resistance.
To tackle the malaria outbreak in Sarasota County, authorities are using trucks and helicopters to spray affected areas with insecticide, as reported by local media.
In conclusion, the recent discovery of malaria-positive mosquitoes in Florida highlights the resurgence of locally-acquired cases of the disease in the US. The presence of genetically-modified mosquitoes in the region has sparked controversy, although there is currently no confirmed link between the modified insects and the outbreaks. Efforts are underway to address the outbreak and prevent further transmission of malaria.
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