oS v ‘ a INSECTUS ORRIBILUS as) (> g a de) oe Pa INSECTUS HORRIBILUS Healthy Mosquitoes Could Mean Healthy Humans (NAPSA)—How do you prevent mosquito-borne illness in humans? Cure the mosquitoes. That’s the idea behind an environmentally friendly approach to eradicating diseases, such as malaria, that are spread by mos- quitoes and threaten global health. A Global Problem Malaria has killed more humans than all the wars combined, currently affecting over 100 million people worldwide and claiming millions of lives each year. Chemical sprays and other treat- ments have traditionally been used for eliminating malaria-carrying mosquitoes, but each has drawbacks including harmful effects on humans and theenvironment. Additionally, these methods often kill insects indiscriminately, eliminating bees and other beneficial bugs. A New Approach A new approach tofighting mos- quitoes, called Provector, has shown promising results. Invented by Dr. Thomas M. Kollars, Jr. and MEVLABS, Inc., exclusively licensed by MIT Holding Inc. with research support by Georgia Southern University, the Provector uses visual, olfactory and chemical signals to attract mosquitoes. The bugs then ingest an anti-viral and anti-malarial treatment. The treatment is specifically designed to stop the development of the pathogens and parasites carried by Courtesy of the CDC A novel approach to preventing malaria is to stop the parasite in the mosquito that is transmitted to humans. the insect. Because the anti-malarials and dosages used in the device are specifically designed for the mosquitoes, the issue of resistance to current anti-malarial drugs in humansis theoretically reduced. The technology has attracted the attention of world leaders and investors alike. Unlike other mosquito traps that cost hundreds of dollars, the device costs less than $5 to manufacture. Plus it can be used inside or outdoors, helping to protect people by reducing the number of infected mosquitoes biting them, wherever they maybe. “Infectious diseases are widespread and account for millions of deaths every year,” says Dr. Thomas M. Kollars, Jr., with MIT Holding Inc. “We’ve worked extensively to understand the root causes of malaria and that under- standing could help save millions of lives.” For more information, visit www.mitholdinginc.com.
