Using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to reduce dengue transmission
Official title: Assessing the Efficacy of Incompatible Insect Technique Coupled with Sterile Insect Technique (IIT-SIT) to Manage Large Dengue Clusters: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by National Environment Agency, Singapore · NCT06894901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if releasing special mosquitoes that carry Wolbachia can help lower the number of dengue cases in certain neighborhoods in Singapore.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Environment Agency, Singapore Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 20, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 20, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06894901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are residents of public housing estates in Singapore experiencing active dengue transmission.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients living in areas that have previously experienced Wolbachia-Aedes releases or those not residing in dengue clusters may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of releasing Wolbachia-infected male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes combined with sterile insect technique (IIT-SIT) to reduce active dengue transmission in Singapore. The study focuses on high-rise public housing estates, where clusters of dengue cases will be identified and randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive the IIT-SIT treatment until the dengue cluster is extinguished, while conventional vector control measures will also be implemented. This approach aims to provide real-time management of dengue outbreaks by assessing the impact of the intervention on reducing the number of dengue cases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of dengue outbreaks in urban areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches using Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes for vector control, indicating potential for this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligible dengue clusters will be limited to public housing estates and with at least 10 dengue cases comprising that dengue cluster before allocation into intervention or control arms. The selected clusters will be in areas with relatively high sector-level GAI of at least 0.2 at the time of the 10th reported case. Additionally, the first 10 cases must be reported within 30 days of the first case. Additionally, clusters must be in areas which have never experienced Wolbachia-Aedes releases and at least 700 m away from existing Wolbachia-Aedes release areas.
Where it's running
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National Environment Agency
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Lee Ching Ng Group Director (Environmental Health Institute), PhD — Environmental Health Institute
- Study coordinator: Lee Ching Ng, PhD
- Email: NG_Lee_Ching@nea.gov.sg
- Phone: +65 67719108
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.