Lisbon has released 30,000 sterile male mosquitoes to reduce the population of Asian tiger mosquitoes

Health authorities in Lisbon released 30,000 sterile male mosquitoes of the Aedes albopictus species, known as the Asian tiger mosquito, on Thursday in an experimental project aimed at reducing the insect’s population and the risks to public health.

The released mosquitoes do not bite, as only females feed on blood. The insects were sterilized using a verified technique, with the aim of having them compete with wild males. Mating with sterile specimens produces no offspring, which could limit the species’ reproduction.

The Asian tiger mosquito can transmit viruses such as those that cause dengue fever, Zika and yellow fever if it bites an infected person and subsequently transmits the pathogen to another person.

This is the final release included in the current stage of the project. In total, 60,000 sterile mosquitoes have been released in Portugal. Researchers are now monitoring their dispersal and survival capacity. If the results are positive, a comparative study could begin in May between the targeted areas and those where the mosquito population is kept under control. Specialists stress that eliminating areas with stagnant water, where the insects breed, remains essential.