From apes to humans

Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue are all examples of diseases that originate from non-human primates and are infectious to humans through a mosquito bite. Wageningen University & Research is determining the role of mosquitoes as bridge vectors of pathogens between apes and humans. Primate body odours are collected in zoos and sanctuaries, and tested for their attractiveness to mosquitoes. Bridge vectors will be identified in Congo and Cameroon in Central Africa. The study aims to help prevent the cross-species exchange of infectious diseases.