(Trinidad Express) Government has considered introducing genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes to Trinidad and Tobago to fight the deadly dengue and chikungunya viruses and if the price is right, it is a possibility, according to Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan.
Both viruses are spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito.
The mosquitoes have been introduced in Brazil and the Cayman Islands with successful results.
However, the cost of the intervention is considered too high, and an attempt is being made to have the cost reduced, Khan said.
Khan disclosed on Wednesday in a telephone interview that for the past two-and-a-half years he has been looking at using the GM mosquito as a means to reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, which have been on the increase this year.
However, he said, “It is an excellent idea but it is extremely expensive. For a small area like somewhere in Chaguanas, it will cost TT$6 million.”
