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"The stated researcher declares that thus far, the spread of illnesses has been averted, following the release of sterile tiger mosquitoes in Ticino."

Mosquito Specialist Eleonora Flacio Employs Multiple Strategies to Limit the Asian Tiger Mosquito in Southern Switzerland, Yet Warns of Its Continued Northerly Expansion Beyond the Alps.

"A scientist asserts that infectious diseases have been successfully prevented following the...
"A scientist asserts that infectious diseases have been successfully prevented following the release of sterilized tiger mosquitoes in Ticino."

"The stated researcher declares that thus far, the spread of illnesses has been averted, following the release of sterile tiger mosquitoes in Ticino."

In the picturesque canton of Ticino, Switzerland, a battle is underway against an unwelcome invader - the Asian tiger mosquito. This exotic species, first detected in Ticino by biologist Eleonora Flacio in 2003, has since established itself in large parts of southern Switzerland.

Eleonora Flacio, the head of the Vector Ecology department at the Ticino University of Applied Sciences SUPSI, has been at the forefront of the fight against this invasive insect. Recognising the mosquito's potential to transmit tropical diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, she has been tirelessly working to keep the population in check.

Her current strategy involves a unique approach: the mass release of sterilized male Asian tiger mosquitoes. These sterile males, when they mate with females, produce unfertilized eggs, thereby substantially reducing the mosquito breeding rate. This chemical-free technique offers a scalable option to curb the spread of this invasive species.

The method was first trialed successfully in Morcote in 2024, achieving over a 90% reduction in mosquito numbers in that isolated area. In 2025, the project expanded to larger and less isolated zones, such as a 12-hectare area in Losone, where mosquito numbers have already dropped by 40%. The goal is to match or exceed the Morcote results to potentially drive the Asian tiger mosquito population to zero. Similar trials are ongoing in nearby Ascona.

The strategy, which targets mating disruption to reduce offspring, has shown encouraging early results. If successful, it could provide a long-term solution to the Asian tiger mosquito problem in Ticino.

As the Asian tiger mosquito is expected to continue spreading north of the Alps, the work of Eleonora Flacio and her team is of utmost importance. It serves as a beacon of hope in the fight against invasive species and the diseases they carry.

[1] Source: Various approaches to keep the Asian tiger mosquito in check.

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  1. Science, specifically in the field of vector ecology, is vital in combating invasive species like the Asian tiger mosquito.
  2. The Asian tiger mosquito, an unwelcome invader, was first detected in Ticino, Switzerland by biologist Eleonora Flacio in 2003.
  3. Tropical diseases such as dengue and chikungunya can be transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, making it a potentially dangerous presence.
  4. The head of the Vector Ecology department at the Ticino University of Applied Sciences SUPSI, Eleonora Flacio, has been working tirelessly to keep the population of this invasive insect in check.
  5. A unique approach involves releasing sterilized male Asian tiger mosquitoes, as they produce unfertilized eggs when mating with females, thereby reducing the breeding rate.
  6. This chemical-free technique offers a scalable option to curb the spread of invasive species.
  7. The method was first trialed successfully in Morcote in 2024, achieving over 90% reduction in mosquito numbers.
  8. In 2025, the project expanded to larger and less isolated zones, such as a 12-hectare area in Losone, where mosquito numbers have already dropped by 40%.
  9. The goal is to match or exceed the Morcote results to potentially drive the Asian tiger mosquito population to zero.
  10. Similar trials are ongoing in nearby Ascona.
  11. The strategy, which targets mating disruption to reduce offspring, has shown encouraging early results.
  12. If successful, it could provide a long-term solution to the Asian tiger mosquito problem in Ticino.
  13. The work of Eleonora Flacio and her team is of utmost importance, as the Asian tiger mosquito is expected to continue spreading north of the Alps.
  14. The fight against invasive species is a beacon of hope in the larger context of medical-conditions, chronic-diseases, and worldwide health-and-wellness issues.
  15. Fitness-and-exercise, a key aspect of workplace-wellness, can boost the immune system and potentially reduce the impact of such invasive species.
  16. Nutrition plays a crucial role in combating medical-conditions, including chronic-diseases, and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health.
  17. Sexual-health is another important aspect of health-and-wellness, and preventing the transmission of diseases is a priority in this field.
  18. Autoimmune-disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are complex medical-conditions that require tailored therapies-and-treatments.
  19. Climate-change is a significant factor in the spread of various diseases and medical-conditions, including respiratory-conditions and digestive-health issues.
  20. Eye-health, hearing, and skin-care are essential components of overall health, and maintaining their integrity is vital for early disease detection and prevention.
  21. Mental-health is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of health-and-wellness, and maintaining mental fitness is as important as physical fitness.
  22. Mens-health and womens-health are unique areas of focus, with specific medical-conditions and health-care needs that require dedicated attention.
  23. Skin-conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can significantly impact quality of life and require specialized treatments.
  24. Cance, a prevalent chronic-disease, is a major focus in medical-research, and advances in cancer treatments and diagnostics are continually being made.
  25. Neurological-disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, are complex medical-conditions that require multidisciplinary approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
  26. Environmental-science plays a crucial role in understanding the effects of climate-change on human-health, as well as the impact of pollution on air, water, and soil quality.
  27. Finance, energy, and real-estate industries play a significant role in shaping the landscape of health-and-wellness, from investment in green technologies to the design of sustainable buildings.
  28. Entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity-and-inclusion, and small-business are key drivers in the health-and-wellness industry, with ventures in areas like personal-finance, fintech, and private-equity shaping the future of health-care.

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