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An entomologist in China has put up a mosquito factory to create good mosquitos that can combat the Zika virus and dengue epidemic. The Michigan State University researcher Zhiong Xi is spearheading this mission to eradicate these diseases in a more traditional way. 

The Mosquito Factory

Located in Sun Yat-Sen University's science campus in Guangdo, the laboratory spans over 3,500 square feet and houses as much as 6,000 mosquito larvae. According to CNN, up to 5 million mosquitos are being engineered per week, and the focus is on a particular specie that is rampant in Asia. 

The male insects would be injected with a bacteria called Wolbachia, which has the ability to block the transfer of the Zika virus or dengue to humans and makes the mosquitos sterile. Even if they mate with females in the wild, the potential eggs won't be able to hatch. This prevents the species from growing and keeps the spread of the virus at bay.

Effects of Zika Virus

If this method would be proved successful, then the casualties from the Zika virus and dengue epidemic could significantly decrease. 

The threat of the Zika virus is still strong today, with new studies showing how deadly it could be to people. A report posted on NPR details how the illness could hinder brain development of babies when their mothers become infected. They could be born with microcephaly, a condition where the baby's head would be significantly tiny, which then causes severe brain damage.  

Dengue has also caused the deaths of thousands, particularly with those who were treated days after symptoms of high fever and vomiting showed up. 

Will the unconventional method in the China mosquito factory remedy the spread of Zika Virus and that of the worsening dengue epidemic?