Tool detects dengue mosquitoes
Each year, almost one million people require hospitalisation for severe dengue fever. The new tool can be used to detect dengue infection in large numbers of mosquitoes. Image: CHBD/iStockphoto A new portable tool to detect dengue virus-infected mosquitoes will help reduce the likelihood of human infections around the world.Each year, almost 1 million people, a large proportion of whom are children, require hospitalisation for severe dengue.The simple diagnostic tool, developed by Dr David Muller and colleagues from The University of Queensland and research groups in Melbourne and South America, can be used in the field to detect dengue infection in large numbers of mosquitoes.“Unlike other approaches to mosquito surveillance, this new tool provides information on whether mosquitoes are carrying dengue,” Dr Muller said.“It is rapid, specific, and does not require specialised equipment or personnel.“This means it will be viable for use in developing regions of the world where dengue is a significant...