Panama-Scientists create GM mosquitoes to fight dengue, but environmental protection associations warn of the risks

[Tonka]

http://www.rcmpharma.com/actualidade/id/18-05-12/cientistas-criam-mosquitos-geneticamente-modificados-para-combater-o-dengue

Portuguese to English translation

Scientists create GM mosquitoes to fight dengue, but environmental protection associations warn of the risks
18/05/2012 - 14:28


Scientists propose to introduce genetically modified mosquitoes in Panama in order to combat dengue. But environmental protection associations warn of the risks of this initiative advances the Daily News.

The project, already experienced in Malaysia, Brazil and the Cayman Islands, is to introduce genetically modified male mosquitoes to compete with other males from females. The descendants of mosquitoes would eventually die quickly, leading to population decline, announced to the press Nestor Souza, director of the Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health study, which is based in Panama.

Several associations of environmental denounced this initiative, saying it is not authorized by law and that its consequences are unknown.

Transmitted by the female, Dengue causes high fevers and headaches and can even lead to death.