Zika virus is from the Aedes mosquito that is likewise responsible for the transmission of other deadly vector borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The World Health Organization has declared that zika virus is as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This declaration was specifically made because of rising cases of microcephaly which is attributable to small heads of children recently born from mothers who are infected by the said disease. Likewise the WHO also noted that currently there are no available vaccines to combat the said virus.
Although it may not be generally consider as overall welcoming, but the presence of Zika virus in the Philippine has allowed PCO’s the opportunity to grow the business since the Department of Health (DOH) is now on guard and is proactive in terms of informing the general public about this latest epidemic. The urban pest control industry can generally contribute to the general welfare by ensuring that it help to deal with dengue and zika virus, while at the same time securing profitability due to an increase in the demand for their services.
Oxytec, a British biotech company that has pioneered in the development of genetically modified male mosquito aimed at dealing with vector diseases by means mating with female mosquito. This particular mosquito is called OX513A and it works by controlling female mosquitoes from breeding off springs. This technologically advanced method of controlling pests is done through an environmentally responsive manner which is an alternative to the use of traditional pesticides.
Likewise, the first anti-dengue vaccine was approved to be commercially released primarily in the Philippines, among other tropic countries in the world experiencing the same problems caused by the dreaded dengue disease. Though generally deadly to people of all ages, the said vaccine will primarily be available to children starting nine (9) years of age and will be effective for adults until age 45. This will have an 80% effectivity rate against four types of dengue viruses.
These technological developments are not worrying matters for the urban pest control industry but in fact are a greatly welcomed because of its benefits to humanity. Since pests in general are part of the environment, there will still so many of it to exterminate, most especially with respect to
structural pest control against termites. The business will still continue to prosper along with the help of the abovementioned technological developments that will kill mosquitoes.