Naval Medical Research Center Asia (NMRC-A) teamed up with the joint research institute of Duke University and the National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School (Duke- NUS) to conduct research on different populations of mosquitoes in Singapore and their ability to transmit diseases.

The partner project was initiated in January and is expected to conclude this December.

"We have a two-tiered approach with this project. Firstly, we want to help study the population genetics of local mosquitoes within the Aedes genus and potentially learn how it may influence their ability to transmit diseases such as dengue," said Lt. Cmdr. Ian Sutherland, department head of Entomology, NMRC-A. "We also want to characterize potential 'hot spots,' or concentrated breeding grounds, of high mosquito populations. We're collaborating in this research to take care of our Sailors and Marines and to ensure they stay healthy and safe."

The study came on the heels of record breaking, reported cases of Dengue fever in Singapore for 2013 and 2014. According to statistics from the World Health Organization and the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore, in 2013, approximately 22,000 cases of Dengue were reported in Singapore, surpassing the previous record of 14,000 cases in 2005. 2014 saw a decrease with approximately 18,000 reported cases, but was still well over the previous record from 2005. So far, 2015 has been better and seen about 2,000 cases. The joint-study was initiated in part to better understand the dynamics of dengue transmission in Singapore.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles. Dengue is transmitted by several species of mosquito within the Aedes genus.

"Multiple species of Aedes mosquitoes can transmit the dengue virus. They can have different competencies and rates of successful transmission," said Sutherland.

Sutherland, along with two Navy hospital corpsmen, set mosquito traps around the Sembawang area to monitor possible mosquito populations. The traps are checked two to three times a week for activity. The traps attract mosquitoes with a baited combination of carbon dioxide, heat, scent and light.

Sutherland offered advice to help reduce mosquito hotspots. The most common breeding grounds of mosquitoes come from standing water which can be found in discarded bottle caps, cans, cups, flower pots, leaves on plants, holes in trees, and even in carelessly dumped plastic bags. It takes approximately five to seven days for mosquito larvae to mature and staying vigilant against stagnant water can significantly reduce mosquito populations. Also, the best way to keep mosquitoes from biting is to use insect repellent with the chemical diethyltoluamide, commonly referred to as DEET. DEET is designed for direct application to people's skin to repel insects. Rather than killing insects, DEET works by making it hard for biting bugs to smell prey.

"A lot of people don't think about mosquitoes and disease until someone close to them gets sick. That's the perennial challenge of public health awareness," said Sutherland.

The NEA of Singapore maintains an active map of mosquito hotspots in Singapore which can be found at http://www.dengue.gov.sg/subject.asp?id=74 .

"There's no definitive area in Singapore that breeds hotspots. The NEA and Singapore government does an excellent job of tracking existing hotspots and letting the public know," said Sutherland.

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