Scientists have been looking for ways to halt the spread of the ZIka virus. Florida is still the most affected state in the United States. Residents constantly express their concern, though the Zika threat may not take long before it is fully curbed. Scientists are yet to finish a chemical-free mosquito sterilizer to control the virus.
The Wolbachia Pipientis Bacteria Versus The Zika Virus
According to NBC-2, tests are being conducted using the Wolbachia Pipientis bacteria. Scientists are injecting the said bacteria into the male mosquitoes. Then, they will release them to mate with the female mosquitoes. Apparently, the bacteria will cause sterility in their offspring.
Scientists say that this will help in reducing the spread of the virus. The Environmental Protection Agency mentions that the Wolbachia Pipientis bacteria only poses minimal risk to humans. These tests are still being held in Florida and California.
NBC-2 also reports that another mosquito has been tested positive for the virus. Locally acquired Zika-virus have been popping up in South Florida.
A resident has been dealing with it positively. Kelsey Leone, who is six months pregnant, said that it won't affect her life. She added that it's not going to stop her from going out and playing with her kids.
Chemical-Free Way To Control Mosquitoes
The biotech firm Oxitec has been developing a chemical-free way to control mosquitoes. The said technology would reduce the risk of Zika, dengue fever or chikungunya. According to Fox News, the head of the Centers for Disease Control had credited Oxitec's aerial pesticide.
The said pesticides had killed a significant number of mosquitoes in the Florida. Apparently, it is where the first local transmission of the Zika-virus occured.
Oxitec had previously tested genetically-modified pink bollworms and diamondback moths. This was overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was part of the country's fight against agricultural pests in the United States.
