P 1 - Testing a combined IIT-SIT to control Aedes-borne viral diseases at scale in Yucatan, Mexico

The incompatible insect technique through Wolbachia-induced incompatibility combined with the sterile insect technique using radiation (IIT-SIT) to suppress Ae. aegypti populations has been tested in a recent successful pilot trial in a suburban area of Yucatán Mexico. As part of an ongoing collaboration between the UADY and the Government of Yucatan and CENAPRECE - supported by CONACYT and USAID - the combined use of IIT-SIT will be scaled-up in urban areas to suppress Ae. aegypti populations and control the Aedes borne diseases. The Laboratory for Biological Control of Aedes aegypti (LCB-UADY) has the capacity to produce on a large scale (up to 5 million) male Aedes mosquitoes with Wolbachia and SIT. An Integrated Management Plan for Aedes aegypti Control will be developed in coordination with the Vector Control Program of the MoH of Yucatan incorporating IIT-SIT with "traditional" vector control for population suppression and reduce the risk of dengue transmission in urban areas of Merida Yucatan. This integrated control plan includes a package of interventions structured in three phases: (i) preparation phase, (ii) attack phase and (iii) suppression phase during two transmission seasons. The mass-release of male Aedes aegypti will be carried out at two sites known to be historical foci of arbovirus transmission, and two other sites will serve as controls. This is the first study implementing IIT-SIT for population suppression of Aedes aegypti in urban areas of Mexico.