IFL Science In the latest step in the fight against mosquito-borne disease, scientists have sent in the drones. Field trials have seen uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying over Fiji, dropping hundreds of mosquitoes infected with bacteria that stop them from spreading diseases like dengue among the human population. Dengue is a viral disease that is spread by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Around half of the world’s population live in areas with a high risk of dengue transmission. Cases this year have been surging, with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reporting an increase of 233 percent in the first 28 weeks of 2024 compared to the previous year.
There are no specific treatments for dengue. While many people will recover after a short illness, about 1 in 20 will develop severe disease, which is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes don’t only transmit dengue either – they’re also vectors for Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.