AI is joining the fight against mosquito-borne diseases

Scientists at the University of South Florida have developed a new AI-powered mosquito trap to help track and combat the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. This innovation could give health officials critical data to control outbreaks more effectively.

The device uses a substance to attract mosquitoes and a sticky pad to capture them. A built-in camera snaps a photo of each insect and sends it to an AI system, which identifies the species. Since different mosquitoes carry different diseases, this identification is key to targeted public health responses.

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth, responsible for over 1 million deaths each year. Their range is expanding due to global warming, which is creating more habitable environments for these insects. Resistance to treatments is also growing, complicating disease management.

Each trap costs under $150 to produce, making widespread deployment feasible. The goal is to use them as early-warning devices, especially in areas facing rapid increases in disease. Dengue cases alone have jumped from just over 500,000 in 2000 to more than 5 million in 2021.

Climate change could expose 500 million more people to mosquito-borne diseases by 2050. As part of a broader climate crisis that may cause 14.5 million deaths by mid-century, AI solutions like this offer hope in adapting to the health challenges ahead.

Watch the video to see how AI is joining the frontlines in global health protection.