Hi-tech mosquitoes: Is this the way to deal with mosquito-borne disease in the future?
Assignment Question
Hi-tech mosquitoes: Is this the way to deal with mosquito-borne disease in the future?
We recently talked about vectors such as mosquitoes with respect to vector-borne disease in class. We just concluded another summer when mosquito-borne disease and other vector-borne diseases tend to be of most concern. How we go about combatting vector-borne diseases has recently gone hi-tech, as you will see described in the 2 brief articles that I am providing to you. I am also sharing with you a link to a 23 min. video that shares with you some of the devastating effects of the Zika outbreak in Brazil just a few years ago that some of you may be interested in viewing (hoping all of you). The video will also give you some idea as to how difficult it is to control vector-borne diseases (especially in poverty-stricken environments) along with some of the significant long-term impacts a virus like Zika virus can have on a society (in part, here I am referring to the cases of microcephaly that are associated with Zika virus infection of pregnant women in a society where abortions were not available for a woman who might want one carrying an infected baby in the womb). However, along with this hi-tech approach comes controversy. Please read through the two articles and give your opinion on whether we should be using this hi-tech approach or find other ways to deal with mosquito-borne diseases. Weigh the costs against the benefits and explain the reasoning behind your answer. Note: this methodology might eventually be employed for other vectors associated with other vector-borne disease including tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease that are problems in New York State. N.B. Your answer should be at least approximately 100 words and please use full sentences. 1201171 an hour ago https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/30/health/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-us-scn-wellness/index.html First-ever US release of genetically modified mosquitoes begins in Florida Keys https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/04/29/genetically-modified-mosquitoes-released-florida-keys-first-us/4876624001/ The first genetically modified mosquitoes released in the U.S. to buzz in the Florida Keys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywPEj1IU7pM Zika: Children of the Outbreak (2019)
