Dengue and Zika viruses make infected hosts more delicious to mosquitoes

A study published in the journal Cell on June 30 shows that when humans and mice are infected with dengue or Zika viruses, they secrete a chemical that may make them more attractive to mosquitoes, the vector that transmits the virus. Almost half of the world’s population lives in an area at risk of dengue fever, and with a lack of treatments, many dengue-affected regions see high morbidity and mortality rates as a result. Now, with the identity of the chemical attractant in hand, the researchers found a way to reduce its release in mice and make mosquito bites less frequent: treatment with a commercially available acne medication.


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Source: Phys.org