Awareness and support of release of genetically modified "sterile" mosquitoes, Key West, Florida, USA

Emerg Infect Dis. 2015 Feb;21(2):320-4. doi: 10.3201/eid2102.141035.

Abstract

After a dengue outbreak in Key West, Florida, during 2009-2010, authorities, considered conducting the first US release of male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes genetically modified to prevent reproduction. Despite outreach and media attention, only half of the community was aware of the proposal; half of those were supportive. Novel public health strategies require community engagement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods
  • Communicable Disease Control / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Culicidae / genetics*
  • Culicidae / virology*
  • Female
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mosquito Control / methods*
  • Mosquito Control / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult