Which of the following describes the 'Singapore' strategy used for dengue vector control?
- A Release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes into the wild population ✓
- B Periodic indoor residual spraying of deltamethrin
- C Mass treatment with ivermectin to reduce vector competence
- D Elimination of all man-made water storage containers
Correct answer: A. Release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes into the wild population
Explanation
The Wolbachia strategy, pioneered in Singapore and Australia, involves releasing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria into the wild population. Wolbachia reduces the mosquito's ability to transmit dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses (vector competence), and spreads naturally through the population due to cytoplasmic incompatibility. This is an innovative biological control approach with demonstrated efficacy in reducing dengue incidence.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.