They hope to unleash a swarm of mosquitoes infected with the wolbachia bacteria, which prevents the insects passing dengue fever to humans. Bacteria-infected mozzies would then mate with wild populations, passing wolbachia to their offspring.
Monash University Professor Scott O’Neill said trials conducted in Cairns were proving successful, with the Eliminate Dengue team hoping to bring a “scaled up” version to Townsville from October.
The team met with community representatives from Townsville to discuss the plan yesterday.
“It is a way to vaccinate the mosquito rather than just trying to prevent people getting dengue,” Prof O’Neill said.
“We have started our preliminary data gathering of the local mosquito population and if the community support is strong we hope to release our first mosquito around October.
“It looks like we have a healthy population of mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue in Townsville so it looks like a good site.”
Dengue is spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito.
There are currently three active outbreaks – one in Townsville, one in Charters Towers and one in Cairns/Innisfail.
Townsville public health physician Dr Steven Donohue said there had been several weeks since the last confirmed case of dengue in the city, but they were investigating another possible case in a high-risk area.
He said the trial wouldn’t stop dengue overnight but he hoped it would rid Townsville, like Mackay, of future outbreaks.
One of those keen to see the trial commence is local resident Jacqui Lloyd.
Ms Lloyd contracted dengue fever several years ago, and has never forgotten the pain the disease inflicted.
“It is the most terrible experience,” she said. “Your bones feel like they are breaking, you can’t get out of bed, you are sensitive to light.”
Ms Lloyd is on the community committee advising the Eliminate Dengue team.
She said the fact Townsville would be involved in the world-first trial was exciting.
If trials prove successful, it is hoped they will be rolled out in dengue-prone countries such as Indonesia.