Dengue has been a public health problem in the tropical world for decades and 2024 saw a global dengue surge, with more than 14 million cases and 10 thousand deaths reported worldwide-more than double the figures for dengue epidemics previously recorded in 2023 and 2019.
In the middle of the world’s worst global dengue epidemic-the city of Niterói, Brazil, was effectively protected against the deadly disease by an innovative program that introduced a bacteria called Wolbachia into the
Wolbachia mosquito releases Show Long-Term Dengue Control in Brazil
A large-scale release of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes in Niterói, Brazil, demonstrated sustained suppression of dengue cases even after releases ceased, according to a study published in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. The research, conducted during a meaningful dengue epidemic surge, provides compelling evidence for the long-term public health impact of this innovative mosquito control strategy.
Researchers from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and collaborating institutions tracked dengue incidence in Niterói following the introduction of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacterium that reduces a mosquito’s ability to transmit viruses like dengue,Zika,chikungunya,and yellow fever.
the study focused on the long-term effects of releasing wMel strain Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes across the entire city of Niterói between 2018 and 2022. Researchers found that even after the releases stopped, Wolbachia remained widespread in the mosquito population, continuing to suppress dengue transmission.
Specifically, the data showed a significant reduction in the proportion of mosquitoes carrying dengue virus, and a corresponding decrease in dengue cases compared to areas without Wolbachia mosquito releases. The impact was observed across multiple years, indicating the durability of the intervention.
“Our findings demonstrate that city-wide Wolbachia releases can provide sustained dengue control, even after the intervention is stopped,” said Katherine L. Anders, lead author of the study. “This is crucial for developing lasting and cost-effective strategies to combat dengue fever.”
The success in Niterói builds on previous Wolbachia mosquito release programs in othre parts of Brazil, Indonesia, and australia.The research highlights the potential for Wolbachia to become a key tool in global dengue control efforts, particularly as climate change expands the range of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and increases the risk of outbreaks.
More data:
Katherine L. Anders et al, Long-Term Durability and Public Health Impact of City-Wide wMel Wolbachia Mosquito Releases in Niterói, Brazil, During a Dengue Epidemic surge, Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease (2025). DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed10090237
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Medical Xpress 2025/10/16 22:28:46.