San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District began releasing sterile male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Bassett to reduce an invasive species that spreads diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. This marks the district's first use of the sterile insect technique through its SGV Mosquito Match program.

Southern California is experiencing increased mosquito activity, with efforts to combat populations through sterile male mosquito releases. West Nile virus cases in mosquitoes have risen earlier than usual, though human infections remain low. An invasive Aedes aegypti species, capable of transmitting diseases like dengue and Zika, is also spreading in the region.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is releasing 480,000 sterile male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia bacteria to reduce the invasive species' population. These mosquitoes, which cannot reproduce with wild females, aim to combat dengue transmission in the unincorporated community of Basset. The 16-week program targets peak mosquito season (August-October) to maximize mating success and reduce bites.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is launching the SGV Mosquito Match program in Bassett, CA, using sterile insect technique (S.I.T.) to release non-biting male mosquitoes. The goal is to reduce invasive Aedes aegypti populations, which transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.