Zika, Dengue, will Thailand take note?

[hugh2121]

Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes should be released into countries affected by zika to bring the current crisis under control, scientists have claimed.

Thousands of babies have been born with shrunken heads after their mothers were bitten by zika infected mosquitoes in Latin America.

The World Health Organisation has now declared the outbreak to be a global public health emergency and asked for help from countries around the world in defeating the virus.

“We’re expecting to get the go ahead very soon and then this could make a real difference"

Hadyn Parry, Chief Executive of Oxitec

But scientists at British biotech company Oxitec, a spin off from Oxford University, believe the virus could be brought under control in just a few months if millions of genetically modified mosquitoes were released into the wild.

Trials in Brazil have already shown that the GM insects can causes populations of the dangerous aedes aegypti mosquito to drop by 90 per cent, and causes of dengue to fall by 99 per cent.

In the next few weeks, the Brazilian Health Ministry is expected to give the green light for Oxitec to begin supplying the insects across the country. The WHO is also broadly in favour of the new technology.

Hadyn Parry, Chief Executive of Oxitec, said: “I think a role out of GM mosquitoes could stop this very quickly indeed.

“We’re expecting to get the go ahead very soon and then this could make a real difference.”

Edit: Some "experts" now seem to believe that the Zika epidemic was caused by mosquitoes being released which had been genetically modified for Dengue. Still seems a good idea to get of 90% of them. It also appears that this particular mosquito is becoming resistant to insecticides.

Maybe the end is nigh....man eradicated by mosquitoes. Who'd have thought it.

Edited February 7, 2016 by hugh2121

[Puccini]

Thailand took note of the Zika virus quite promptly. From a news report on January 28, 2016:

Thailand’s top health official today urged the public not to worry because the disease has not reached epidemic level in Thailand.

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/890510-zika-virus-in-thailand-but-not-epidemic-health-officials-assure/

Dengue has been around for decades and no special note needs to be taken of it. It is a routine disease.

[meatboy]

we should all take care,nobody knows for sure the spread of this virus.

sat.morn.sky news reported 3,000 pregnant women in columbia has caught the virus.

i saw one report of an american returning from an infected area who gave it to his wife,and another as far away as spain caught it while on holliday.

so its not to be taken lightly.

[Langsuan Man]

Until it effects tourism, the Thai attitude is simply, out of sight , out of mind

[Suradit69]

Until it effects tourism, the Thai attitude is simply, out of sight , out of mind

And the farang attitude is simply if he hasn't read about it on TV it can't exist.

Maybe the end is nigh....man eradicated by mosquitoes. Who'd have thought it.

The mosquito has been a vector for some major fatal diseases, so I doubt the threat to populations in countries plagued by mosquitoes is exactly late-breaking news.

Lymphatic filariasis

Chikungunya

Japanese encephalitis

Malaria

Dengue

Yellow Fever

... and the list goes on.

On the other hand, one African country, can't recall which, considered the mosquito as a national hero for driving out the fatal disease of colonialism.

[lavender19]

Will not really affect Thais as their brain could not get any smaller

[rocketman777]

This so called Zika epidemic has been hyped up and blown completely out of proportion.

The Zika virus has been known about since the mid 1940's - it causes mild symptoms and more often then not infection is asymptomatic.

It has already been acknowledge that the original claim by Brazilian researchers that there was a link to an apparent increase in microcephaly and Zika is flawed at best.

New figures released last Wednesday by Brazil's Health Ministry as part of a probe into the Zika virus have found fewer cases of microcephaly than first thought.

Of the original 4,180 suspected cases of microcephaly reported since October , 700 , so far, of those cases have been more closely studied , confirming 270 cases and ruling out 462 others.

Out of those 270 cases just 6 tested positive for the Zika virus

According to the CDC The United States, with about 4 million births a year, has an estimated 2,500 cases (0.06%) of microcephaly a year. In 2014, only about 150 cases were reported in Brazil with 3 million births. A surprisingly low number that may be attributed to under reporting.

Taking Brazil recent number of 4,180 'suspected' cases of which only 38% are likely to be confirmed puts a figure of 1600 cases with 3 million births. Which is comparable with the USA figures and 'normal'.

So once again the public is being exposed disinformation to scare and control . Not to mention the nice profits to be made by big pharmma on yet another worthless and potentially dangerous vaccine, plus test kits etc.

[sawadee1947]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/indias-biotech-moment-a-made-in-india-zika-virus-vaccine/articleshow/50886331.cms

ZIKA vaccine from India

DENGUE vaccine from Soanofi/France

It's high time to make those available here !!

[expat_4_life]

This so called Zika epidemic has been hyped up and blown completely out of proportion.

The Zika virus has been known about since the mid 1940's - it causes mild symptoms and more often then not infection is asymptomatic.

It has already been acknowledge that the original claim by Brazilian researchers that there was a link to an apparent increase in microcephaly and Zika is flawed at best.

New figures released last Wednesday by Brazil's Health Ministry as part of a probe into the Zika virus have found fewer cases of microcephaly than first thought.

Of the original 4,180 suspected cases of microcephaly reported since October , 700 , so far, of those cases have been more closely studied , confirming 270 cases and ruling out 462 others.

Out of those 270 cases just 6 tested positive for the Zika virus

According to the CDC The United States, with about 4 million births a year, has an estimated 2,500 cases (0.06%) of microcephaly a year. In 2014, only about 150 cases were reported in Brazil with 3 million births. A surprisingly low number that may be attributed to under reporting.

Taking Brazil recent number of 4,180 'suspected' cases of which only 38% are likely to be confirmed puts a figure of 1600 cases with 3 million births. Which is comparable with the USA figures and 'normal'.

So once again the public is being exposed disinformation to scare and control . Not to mention the nice profits to be made by big pharmma on yet another worthless and potentially dangerous vaccine, plus test kits etc.

I agree. The whole Zika thing is BS .... it starts with suspected cases or may be linked to Zika and turns into a world health problem. No evidence at all.

The CDC is also misreporting the actual number of cases in the USA as the National Institute of Health says in it's study that there are 25,000 per year, not 2,500.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744281/

This means the rate of cases in Brazil is very low. The entire Zika story is baseless junk science.

Edited February 8, 2016 by expat_4_life

[Dumbastheycome]

This so called Zika epidemic has been hyped up and blown completely out of proportion.

The Zika virus has been known about since the mid 1940's - it causes mild symptoms and more often then not infection is asymptomatic.

It has already been acknowledge that the original claim by Brazilian researchers that there was a link to an apparent increase in microcephaly and Zika is flawed at best.

New figures released last Wednesday by Brazil's Health Ministry as part of a probe into the Zika virus have found fewer cases of microcephaly than first thought.

Of the original 4,180 suspected cases of microcephaly reported since October , 700 , so far, of those cases have been more closely studied , confirming 270 cases and ruling out 462 others.

Out of those 270 cases just 6 tested positive for the Zika virus

According to the CDC The United States, with about 4 million births a year, has an estimated 2,500 cases (0.06%) of microcephaly a year. In 2014, only about 150 cases were reported in Brazil with 3 million births. A surprisingly low number that may be attributed to under reporting.

Taking Brazil recent number of 4,180 'suspected' cases of which only 38% are likely to be confirmed puts a figure of 1600 cases with 3 million births. Which is comparable with the USA figures and 'normal'.

So once again the public is being exposed disinformation to scare and control . Not to mention the nice profits to be made by big pharmma on yet another worthless and potentially dangerous vaccine, plus test kits etc.

I agree. The whole Zika thing is BS .... it starts with suspected cases or may be linked to Zika and turns into a world health problem. No evidence at all.

The CDC is also misreporting the actual number of cases in the USA as the National Institute of Health says in it's study that there are 25,000 per year, not 2,500.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744281/

This means the rate of cases in Brazil is very low. The entire Zika story is baseless junk science.

It is my belief that this is a move to get compliance for the global introduction of GM mosquito.

As for microcephaly...if mothers are being mass tested to ascertain any connection with Zika infection then would it not be an ideal chance to also screen for all other possibles as well. Such sad outcomes have too often been dismissed . Spina bifida is largely preventable by simple sufficient dietary requirements during early pregnancy.

[sandyf]

i saw one report of an american returning from an infected area who gave it to his wife,

Statements like this should be avoided, implication is that it is contagious.

I saw the report on this and medical opinion was that there would have been more chance of winning the lottery than the virus being passed from human to human.

The conclusion in that particular case was that the virus had been passed sexually where the man had blood in the semen and the woman had broken skin in the vagina.

[Keesters]

Thailand took note of the Zika virus quite promptly. From a news report on January 28, 2016:

Thailand’s top health official today urged the public not to worry because the disease has not reached epidemic level in Thailand.

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/890510-zika-virus-in-thailand-but-not-epidemic-health-officials-assure/

Dengue has been around for decades and no special note needs to be taken of it. It is a routine disease.

So they published an article. I don't think that is taking notice. Taking notice would be launching an effective mosquito eradication program. Even minor control has been forgotten. I haven't seen any fogging done in my area for many years. It used to be a regular thing.

[Hammock]

Always use mosquito repellent especially at sunset time. By the way, mosquitoes are attracted to dark and sweaty clothes.

[sunnyjim5]

Thailand took note of the Zika virus quite promptly. From a news report on January 28, 2016:

Thailand’s top health official today urged the public not to worry because the disease has not reached epidemic level in Thailand.

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/890510-zika-virus-in-thailand-but-not-epidemic-health-officials-assure/

Dengue has been around for decades and no special note needs to be taken of it. It is a routine disease.

So they published an article. I don't think that is taking notice. Taking notice would be launching an effective mosquito eradication program. Even minor control has been forgotten. I haven't seen any fogging done in my area for many years. It used to be a regular thing.

Name one place in the World where the mosquito has been "eradicated".

I look forward to learning about this place and how the "eradication" was achieved.

Fogging is usually undertaken, in accord with WHO guidelines, in local "dengue" hot spots.

[muskoka]

This so called Zika epidemic has been hyped up and blown completely out of proportion.

The Zika virus has been known about since the mid 1940's - it causes mild symptoms and more often then not infection is asymptomatic.

It has already been acknowledge that the original claim by Brazilian researchers that there was a link to an apparent increase in microcephaly and Zika is flawed at best.

New figures released last Wednesday by Brazil's Health Ministry as part of a probe into the Zika virus have found fewer cases of microcephaly than first thought.

Of the original 4,180 suspected cases of microcephaly reported since October , 700 , so far, of those cases have been more closely studied , confirming 270 cases and ruling out 462 others.

Out of those 270 cases just 6 tested positive for the Zika virus

According to the CDC The United States, with about 4 million births a year, has an estimated 2,500 cases (0.06%) of microcephaly a year. In 2014, only about 150 cases were reported in Brazil with 3 million births. A surprisingly low number that may be attributed to under reporting.

Taking Brazil recent number of 4,180 'suspected' cases of which only 38% are likely to be confirmed puts a figure of 1600 cases with 3 million births. Which is comparable with the USA figures and 'normal'.

So once again the public is being exposed disinformation to scare and control . Not to mention the nice profits to be made by big pharmma on yet another worthless and potentially dangerous vaccine, plus test kits etc.

I agree. The whole Zika thing is BS .... it starts with suspected cases or may be linked to Zika and turns into a world health problem. No evidence at all.

The CDC is also misreporting the actual number of cases in the USA as the National Institute of Health says in it's study that there are 25,000 per year, not 2,500.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2744281/

This means the rate of cases in Brazil is very low. The entire Zika story is baseless junk science.

Fear the Zika! Another Planned Health Scare To Keep the Sheeple in Compliance

[Keesters]

Thailand took note of the Zika virus quite promptly. From a news report on January 28, 2016:

Thailand’s top health official today urged the public not to worry because the disease has not reached epidemic level in Thailand.

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/890510-zika-virus-in-thailand-but-not-epidemic-health-officials-assure/

Dengue has been around for decades and no special note needs to be taken of it. It is a routine disease.

So they published an article. I don't think that is taking notice. Taking notice would be launching an effective mosquito eradication program. Even minor control has been forgotten. I haven't seen any fogging done in my area for many years. It used to be a regular thing.

Name one place in the World where the mosquito has been "eradicated".

I look forward to learning about this place and how the "eradication" was achieved.

Fogging is usually undertaken, in accord with WHO guidelines, in local "dengue" hot spots.

They can try can't they. I never said anywhere had achieved it. I've caught Dengue and so have many other people living in the same area. Doesn't that make it a hot spot?

[PocoLoco]

Don't mess with nature, genetically modified breeds and introduction of species to places they do not belong have resulted in catastrophic outcomes in the past.

When will they learn?

[Speedo1968]

What about "Chagas" aka Vinchuca ? This was a mainly South / Central American disease. 7 - 8 million had the disease in 2013 and it is increasing due to population movements, even into Europe. Nearly 13,000 people died in 2006. This infection can remain dormant in the body for 10 - 30 years. Infection follows a bite, generally on the face or the eye,normally at night while sleeping. Having lived for a number of years in the Paraguayan "outback" in the 1970's and been bitten in my sleep, I am aware of how careful one should be. Scare mongering does not help but education does, even at a young age. The local councils could do a lot more and be more active in the community not just speak over the loudspeakers in the villages. As for fumigation I have yet to see this be done properly or to take in to account local daily weather,

[Sheryl]

Don't mess with nature, genetically modified breeds and introduction of species to places they do not belong have resulted in catastrophic outcomes in the past.

When will they learn?

Well certainly no one is thinking of introducing any species into new places.

What is being looked at is genetic modifications that would, over time, wipe out the specific family of mosquito that carries not only Zika but also Dengue and Chikungunya. Chikungunya, by genetic modification such that their offspring would be sterile.

Eradicating whole species is very, very risky but this would eradicate only one type of mosquito; there are thousands of others so not likely to have an adverse effect on other creatures that feed on mosquitoes.

It will be slow going, the technique is such that it is labor and time intensive and cannot be done in a large area at once. In the unlikely even that wiping out/greatly reducing the population of aedes egypti mosquitoes had an adverse effect, could reverse it by just importing them from other areas.