Jérémy Bouyer wants to "boost" the sterile mosquito technique to stem chikungunya in Reunion

He speaks with the speed and agility of his drones releasing sterile male mosquitoes. With, also, the passion of a researcher who laughs at himself, admitting without false modesty to having "a patent idea per month". Veterinarian, entomologist at the Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD) of La Réunion, Jérémy Bouyer has no trouble sharing his enthusiasm, even when describing in minute detail the scientific challenges of "the pre-operational phase" of his OpTIS project. TIS for "sterile insect technique" . Recognized by his peers as a world specialist in this means of fighting the tsetse fly in Africa and mosquitoes, this native of Lens (Pas-de-Calais), aged 47, has developed a version described as "boosted" or "reinforced" aimed at preventing epidemics of chikungunya and dengue fever. Convinced that it constitutes “a disruptive strategy” .

This is enough to raise hope in Réunion, which has been hit by an epidemic of chikungunya, a disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which has, however, been experiencing a clear phase of decline since the week of April 21. According to the regional health agency of Réunion, 195,800 people (21.7% of Réunion residents) have consulted a doctor since the beginning of the year for symptoms compatible with the virus, which causes high fevers and severe joint pain. At least 20 deaths have been attributed to it. During the major epidemic of 2005-2006, 34% of the population was affected, with an estimated 267 deaths.

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