Zika spreads... and kills

[reel]

Okay, what is the solution then, smart guy?

Apparently the oxitec field trials of genetically modified males have been very successful in suppressing Aedes Aegypti mosquito populations. 80% to 90% population reductions. This solution makes WAY more sense than blanket DDT application.

[Anonymous]

I think the spread of Zika was caused by human meddling and the wonders of genetic engineering. Our scientists and the corporations who back them have completely trashed what was once an environmentally beautiful continent - by introducing foreign species or modifying them.

Not according to Factcheck.





GMOs Didn't Cause Zika Outbreak



Q: Did genetically modified mosquitoes cause the Zika outbreak?

A: No. In fact, GM mosquitoes may be able to help control the virus' spread.

FULL QUESTION



Any truth to Zika virus linked to genetically modified mosquitoes released through the Gates Foundation?

FULL ANSWER



The rumor that GM mosquitoes could be behind the Zika outbreak in Brazil began on Jan. 25 with a Reddit thread titled: "Genetically modified mosquitoes released in Brazil in 2015 linked to the current Zika epidemic?" Some media outlets, including Fox News, The Ecologist and The Daily Mail went on to spread the rumor. Some websites, such as Natural News, cited the involvement of Bill Gates. (The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided $19.7 million for a project to develop and test GM mosquitoes, according to Science.)



The initial Reddit post was a reaction to the Zika virus' spread through the Americas, including Brazil, and a rise in suspected cases of microcephaly, which can signify abnormal brain development. The Zika virus likely spread to Brazil around August 2014, as reported by the New York Times. As of Feb. 5 this year, the World Health Organization reported that Brazilian authorities estimate between 497,593 and 1,482,701 cases of Zika infection have occurred since the outbreak began. Zika is primarily spread by the Aedes mosquito.

The Aedes mosquito also spreads the dengue and chikungunya viruses. To reduce Aedes mosquito populations and combat these widespread viruses, a British biotech company called Oxitec genetically engineered male Aedes mosquitoes to produce offspring that die before they reach adulthood. This technique has been shown to reduce mosquito populations by 95 percent in some areas where Oxitec released the GM mosquitoes. And fewer mosquitoes mean less disease transmission.

Why do some claim GM mosquitoes caused the Zika outbreak? The initial Reddit contributor, who posted to a subreddit geared toward conspiracies, included three reasons: (1) The mosquitoes were released in the same area as Zika's epicenter; (2) some offspring will still survive and pass on their genes; and (3) GM mosquito and Zika genes will then mix, resulting in a super virus that causes microcephaly.

This is all false: (1) Oxitec released its mosquitoes 400 miles away from Zika's epicenter; (2) only a small percentage of offspring survive; and (3) there are no known ways for mosquito genes to infiltrate those of Zika.

http://www.factcheck.org/2016/02/gmos-didnt-cause-zika-outbreak/">http://www.factcheck.org/2016/02/gmos-d ... -outbreak/">http://www.factcheck.org/2016/02/gmos-didnt-cause-zika-outbreak/

[Lance Leftardashian]

They just need to spray the entire USA and Canada with DDT. There is no time to think how stupid and useless it would be.

[Anonymous]

They just need to spray the entire USA and Canada with DDT. There is no time to think how stupid and useless it would be.

No, time to think about how useless and stupid it would be? Just like carbon taxes, cap and trade and green power generation policies.



You are a real funny guy aintcha.

[Gay Boy Roberto]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now recommending that all blood donations in the U.S. undergo testing for the Zika virus amid mounting concerns about how the disease is spread.



The sweeping new recommendation, announced this morning, underscores concerns within the medical community about the still relatively unknown virus.

[Romero]

Florida Republican threatens to free 100 mosquitoes on House floor after GOPers block Zika funding



Republicans in Congress have refused to pass funding to combat the Zika virus so Rep. David Jolly (R-FL) tried to make the threat real for his colleagues on Wednesday by showing up on the House floor with 100 mosquitoes from Florida.



"This is the reason for the urgency, this is the reason for the fear," Jolly said, holding up a jar of mosquitoes capable of carrying the Zika virus.



"Mr. Speaker, it is time to act," the Florida Republican insisted. "The politics of Zika have gone on far too long. The politics of Zika are wrong."



Jolly explained that Floridians were scared and angry about congressional inaction.



"I brought these mosquitoes today to convey that fear and that anxiety of millions of Americans, of Floridians," he remarked. "Can you imagine the fear and anxiety in this chamber if these mosquitoes were outside this jar, not inside this jar."



"Members of Congress would run down the hall to the physician's office to be tested. They would spray themselves before coming down here. This is the fear of Floridians! Right here!"



On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled Senate blocked two bills that would fund a public health response to the Zika virus.



http://www.rawstory.com/2016/09/florida-republican-threatens-to-free-100-mosquitoes-on-house-floor-after-gopers-block-zika-funding/">//http://www.rawstory.com/2016/09/florida-republican-threatens-to-free-100-mosquitoes-on-house-floor-after-gopers-block-zika-funding/

[Anonymous]

A leftist editorial doesn't tell us how much it would cost and what will kind of results will it produce. Pick a real news source for a change.

[Romero]

A leftist editorial doesn't tell us how much it would cost and what will the result does it. Pick a real news source for a change.

Sorry, what does "what will the result does it" mean?

[Anonymous]

A leftist editorial doesn't tell us how much it would cost and what will kind of results will it produce. Pick a real news source for a change.

Fixed it.

[Romero]

Ah, thank you.



I will continue posting whatever I wish. Besides, it pleases me that it makes you so easily upset.



ac_smile

[Anonymous]

They could stop the zika virus in it's tracks tomomrrow, but as usual the NIMBY's are out in full force that the sky will fall.

Aerial Spraying for Zika Stirs Controversy in Miami Beach

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/392482351.html">http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/392482351.html