A New mosquito control Program on Ebeye

  • The MoHHS is trying a new approach to control mosquitoes that spread disease.

  • They have decided to use Oxitec’s “Emman” mosquitoes. These GM mosquitoes are an alternative to chemical spraying.

  • Emman mosquitoes were first used in other countries including the United States, Brazil, and Panama.

  • These male mosquitoes are released several times per week from a special box.

  • Emman mosquito eggs are put into the box. Over a couple of weeks, they grow up into flying adult male mosquitoes.

  • The male Emman mosquitoes fly out of the boxes in large numbers, looking for local female Aedes aegypti to mate with. These mosquitoes do not bite.

  • Releasing Emman mosquitoes regularly keeps the number of biting female Aedes aegypti low.

  • As a part of the technique, there will be lots of Emman mosquitoes flying around.

  • This is a good sign that the project is working.

For more information, visit the MoHHS Facebook page.

Protect Our Community

Man Nam Ne Project

Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

In the Marshall Islands

  • There are 5 different types of mosquitoes on Ebeye. Aedes aegypti is one type that does not belong in the RMI.

  • This mosquito spreads diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

  • Only female mosquitoes bite and spread disease.

  • Male mosquitoes do not bite or spread diseases.

  • The Ministry of Health & Human Services (MoHHS) has decided to use genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes to control Aedes aegypti in the RMI.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

What are they ?

Genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes are Aedes aegypti that have had part of their genetic information changed.

They are safe for humans and the environment.

Only GM male mosquitoes are released. Male mosquitoes do not bite or spread diseases.

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

How do they protect my community?

Only GM male Aedes aegypti are released into the environment.

The GM male mosquito then mates with a local female, passing on the changed genes to his babies.

Over time, there are fewer Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This reduces your risk for diseases like dengue.

The female lays her eggs in container holding water. The changed genes in the mosquito babies causes the female baby mosquitoes to die.