Frequently asked questions

General Wolbachia information

Are Wolbachia mosquitoes safe for humans?

Yes, Wolbachia mosquitoes are safe for humans. Wolbachia is already widespread in nature—about 40–60% of insect species naturally carry it.

Are Wolbachia mosquitoes genetically engineered/modified organisms?

No, Wolbachia mosquitoes are not genetically engineered or modified organisms, as the genetic material of the mosquito is not altered. 

Does Wolbachia in the mosquito spread to other insects or humans?

No, Wolbachia used in mosquitoes does not spread to other insects and humans in the environment. Wolbachia is passed exclusively from mother to offspring (through eggs). It is not transmitted to people by mosquito bites. Even if a mosquito carries Wolbachia, the bacteria stay inside the mosquito’s tissues.

Does Wolbachia cause diseases in humans?

No, Wolbachia does not cause disease in humans. Wolbachia cannot infect human cells, it is adapted to live inside insect cells only.

Regarding the release program

My housing area is one of the locations for the Wolbachia program, is there anything that I should or shouldn't do?

• Continue normal mosquito-prevention habits.
• Follow routine public health advice.

How are the release areas for the Wolbachia mosquitoes decided?

The Ministry of Health Malaysia decides on release areas for Wolbachia mosquitoes based on a set of strategic criteria focusing heavily on areas historically high rates of dengue cases (dengue hotspots), Aedes aegypti mosquito population, size and landscape of the area.

How long will the release be ongoing?

The release strategy involves replacing local mosquitoes with Wolbachia mosquitoes, with releases lasting for 20 weeks. Once the Wolbachia frequency in the local mosquito population reaches a target level (typically over 80%) and remains stable for several consecutive months, the active, scheduled releases can stop, but monitoring continues. In areas like Mentari Court, Wolbachia has remained stable for more than four years after the initial 20-week release.

Can I use insecticides/larvicides at my home during the release period?

Yes, you can continue to use insecticides and larvicides. You should continue to manage mosquitoes around your home as you normally would.

What are the black containers that I see around my housing area? 

The small black containers you see around your housing area are ovitraps, which are specialized tools used by local health authorities to monitor and control the population of mosquitoes. They are designed to mimic the ideal, dark, water-filled mosquitoes breeding sites.