LISTEN HERE:
Recent cases of locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria in the United States have sparked discussions regarding the source of the outbreak. Some individuals are pointing fingers at Microsoft founder Bill Gates, claiming that his involvement in releasing genetically modified mosquitoes is to blame.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported five cases of malaria in the past two months, with four cases in Florida and one in Texas.
This marks the first instance of locally acquired malaria since 2003. The CDC is closely monitoring these cases and their proximity, taking swift action to prevent any further spread of the disease.
Typically, malaria cases in the U.S. are imported by individuals traveling to countries where the disease is prevalent. However, between 1970 and the Florida outbreak in 2003, the CDC documented 11 outbreaks of locally transmitted malaria.
This recent reoccurrence has prompted questions and concerns. One Twitter user speculated that Bill Gates’ release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida and Texas may have contributed to the rise in malaria cases.
However, both the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency have thoroughly evaluated the risks associated with such mosquito releases and emphasized that there is no evidence linking them to the current outbreaks.
The notion of genetically modified mosquitoes gained attention due to a viral video showing a mosquito with a serial number, purportedly part of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s experimental project.
Although the video was later proven to be fake, it was indeed accurate that the foundation had successfully implemented a ‘gene drive’ in a mosquito species to reduce its population.
This initiative was part of the ‘Target Malaria’ project, a significant investment by the Gates Foundation to combat malaria transmission.
While this project was primarily based in England, the foundation has supported various initiatives worldwide through grant funding and collaborative efforts.
Meanwhile, German drug manufacturer BioNTech has initiated a study to evaluate an experimental malaria vaccine, aiming to establish vaccine production in Africa.
In collaboration with the Gates Foundation, BioNTech has received substantial support for its malaria project, as well as for programs addressing HIV and tuberculosis.
These efforts reflect the foundation’s commitment to global health challenges beyond the COVID pandemic. The hope for a vaccine to combat malaria remains a priority for researchers and organizations worldwide, including those working in partnership with the Gates Foundation.
Amidst growing concerns, some Florida residents call upon Governor Ron DeSantis to investigate Bill Gates’ possible role in the resurgence of malaria in the state.
They question whether Gates’ genetically modified mosquitoes were released in Florida, demanding accountability and a plan of action.
However, others dismiss these claims as baseless speculation, highlighting the lack of factual evidence to support such allegations.
It is crucial to avoid jumping to conclusions and rely on accurate data and scientific knowledge to understand the root causes of the recent malaria cases.
A report published by the Lancet Commission on Malaria Eradication provides hope for the future. According to this report, by following the necessary steps, malaria could potentially be eradicated outside of Africa by 2030 and globally by 2050.
While this is an ambitious goal, it reinforces the importance of ongoing research, collaborative efforts, and sustainable initiatives to tackle malaria effectively.
Newsweek has reached out to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for comment on this matter, aiming to shed more light on the ongoing discussions surrounding the recent malaria cases in the United States.