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.
Aedes aegypti mosquito populations in the existing study sites of Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Tampines and Yishun have generally fallen by more than 90 per cent. Data from 2019 to 2022 indicates that residents living in areas with at least one year of releases were up to 77 per cent less likely to be infected with dengue.
Results
The heatmaps below show the “eraser effect” where previously dark red areas (indicating high Aedes aegypti mosquito population) gradually faded to low mosquito population after releases. Scientific studies will continue to evaluate the impact of the project and improve the cost effectiveness and deployment strategies for Project Wolbachia.
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:
Click on the phase you are interested in to find out more: