MRCU aims to prevent Zika spread

The Mosquito Research and Control Unit said it spent months formulating a plan for Zika’s arrival on our shores, and now it’s time to act.
With Cayman’s first cases of the virus confirmed this week, the MRCU says it’s focused on preventing local transmission of the disease.

MRCU Director Dr. William Petrie explained its rollout of GMO mosquitos to combat the Aedis Aegypti species sends a message to potential guests that the country is working hard to contain the Zika threat.

“If they choose to look up and see that some destinations possibly have a serious Zika outbreak, it may well put them off I guess,” said Dr. Petrie. “But if they look at Cayman and see that Zika is being largely contained and that there are measures being taken against it, well, it may well be a positive thing.”

The first GMO mosquito releases are slated for next week in West Bay.