The recent alert issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the detection of five cases of locally acquired malaria in Florida and Texas has sparked concern. These are the first reported cases of individuals contracting malaria in the U.S. since 2003. The discovery of these cases raises questions about the potential resurgence of malaria in the U.S., as well as the role of climate change in enabling the spread of Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry and transmit the malaria-causing parasites. This situation also opened the floodgates for conspiracy theories surrounding Bill Gates, with unfounded claims suggesting that he was somehow responsible for the malaria cases through a project involving genetically modified mosquitoes. However, these claims lack any supporting evidence and distract from the actual facts.
One prominent tweet from Liz Churchill, who identifies as a conspiracy theorist on Twitter, gained significant attention with over 23.5K retweets. The tweet suggested that a company funded by Bill Gates released genetically modified mosquitoes, causing the outbreak of malaria in specific areas. However, the tweet contained numerous inaccuracies. Firstly, the tweet was presumably referring to Oxitec, a company that released genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys, which is not in Sarasota County where the malaria cases were reported. The Florida Keys are also far from Texas. Additionally, Churchill’s claim that Oxitec was solving a non-existent problem is incorrect. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which were targeted by Oxitec, are carriers of diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Introduction of genetically modified mosquitoes is a potential solution to combat these diseases.
The Gates Foundation has been actively involved in malaria eradication, making Churchill’s claim about Bill Gates contradictory. The foundation has supported various projects aimed at improving surveillance, prevention, and treatment of malaria, primarily in low and middle-income countries. It is unclear why the foundation would act against its own top priority.
Churchill’s tweet is just one example of evidence-free claims surrounding Bill Gates on social media. These claims, primarily politicizing a public health issue, are not based on any factual basis. While malaria has been effectively eliminated in the U.S., there is no guarantee it won’t return. Prior to the 1880s, malaria was a widespread issue in the country. The recent cases serve as a reminder that continued efforts to control the mosquito population are necessary for public health reasons.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
