Stopping Mosquito-Borne Disease

FAIRFAX, Va. (January 21, 2014) – Their bites may be annoying and itchy, but the real threat from mosquitoes is the possible transmission of diseases such as West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and malaria. While many of these diseases are associated with more tropical areas of the world, there are about 1,500 cases of malaria reported in the United States each year.

A group of researchers at New Mexico State University is working to prevent the transmission of malaria by manipulating bacteria living inside mosquitoes. This line of research may also help prevent more common diseases in the United States like West Nile virus.