The Top 10 Mosquito News Stories of 2016

As the year comes to a close, it’s always interesting to look back at the most popular news stories that shaped our conversations and ideas. In 2016, mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases were prominent topics, due to the Zika epidemic and many scientific advancements to enhance mosquito control techniques.

We consulted BuzzSumo’s content research tool to identify the top 10 most shared mosquito-related stories from major news outlets in 2016. Here’s what was all the buzz during the past year.

The Top 10 Mosquito News Stories of 2016

#10. 2nd Case of Mosquito-Borne Zika Virus Diagnosed in Texas

• Headline: 2^nd Case of Mosquito-Borne Zika Virus Diagnosed in Texas
• Outlet: Fox 4 News
• Date: January 29^th
• Shares: 12.4K
• Summary: A second case of the Zika virus was confirmed in Houston. It was contracted by a woman who traveled to Colombia.

#9. The 5 Most Effective Mosquito Repellents

• Headline: The 5 Most Effective Mosquito Repellents
• Outlet: Today.com
• Date: February 11^th
• Shares: 12.9K
• Summary: This video recaps the Consumer Reports list of the best mosquito repellents, including Sawyer Fisherman’s Formula Picaridin, Natrapel 8 Hour, and OFF! Deep Woods VIII.

#8. A Genetically Modified Mosquito Whose Larvae Die Is Being Enlisted in the Fight Against Zika

• Headline: A Genetically Modified Mosquito Whose Larvae Die Is Being Enlisted in the Fight Against Zika
• Outlet: NPR
• Date: January 26^th
• Shares: 13.6K
• Summary: A British company developed a genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquito that can’t produce viable offspring when it breeds. Releasing the modified insects into the wild could reduce the population of the species. We’ve covered this issue a few times on our blog.

#7. Should We Wipe Mosquitoes Off the Face of the Earth?

• Headline: Should We Wipe Mosquitoes Off the Face of the Earth?
• Outlet: The Guardian
• Date: February 10^th
• Shares: 13.8K
• Summary: This article explores the pros and cons of genetically modifying mosquitoes to eliminate certain species. Some of the topics explored include disrupting ecosystems, saving human lives from mosquito-borne diseases, and the fact that it is possible to reintroduce the species in the event of major problems.

#6. The Zika Virus Mosquito is Unmasking Brazil’s Inequality and Indifference

• Headline: The Zika Virus Mosquito is Unmasking Brazil’s Inequality and Indifference
• Outlet: The Guardian
• Shares: 18.6K
• Summary: The writer of this story posited that the rise of the Zika virus and resulting public attention exposed the shocking prevalence of chronic diseases, inequalities, a shaky public health system, a lack of basic sanitation, and the oppression of women in Brazil.

#5. Study: A Species of Mosquito that Carries Malaria Appears to Be Repelled by the Smell of Chicken

• Headline: Study: A Species of Mosquito that Carries Malaria Appears to Be Repelled by the Smell of Chicken
• Outlet: NPR
• Date: July 21^st
• Shares: 20.7K
• Summary: A researcher from the Swedish University of Agricultural Science found that a chicken in a cage or the scent of chickens in someone’s sleeping quarters can reduce the number of mosquitoes in the house. We wrote about this story on our blog around the same time.

#4. New Study Finds a Virus That Breaks the Rules of Viral Infection

• Headline: New Study Finds a Virus That Breaks the Rules of Viral Infection
• Outlet: NPR
• Date: August 25^th
• Shares: 22.5K
• Summary: Researchers at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases found a one-of-a-kind mosquito virus, Guaico Culex, that is broken up into pieces so that a mosquito needs to catch several of the pieces to be infected. Most viruses are self-contained, and an animal only needs to catch one piece to be infected. The study was published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe.

#3. Mosquito Spraying Accidentally Takes Out Millions of Bees in S.C. County

• Headline: Mosquito Spraying Accidentally Takes Out Millions of Bees in S.C. County
• Outlet: NPR
• Date: September 2nd
• Shares: 23.3K
• Summary: Dorchester County, S.C. misted a pesticide to kill mosquitoes, but it ended up killing millions of bees because it contained an ingredient that is toxic to bees.

#2. Victoria’s Secret Perfume Is a Great Mosquito Repellent

• Headline: Victoria’s Secret Perfume Is a Great Mosquito Repellent
• Outlet: Elle.com
• Date: July 31^st
• Shares: 37.4K
• Summary: A study in the Journal of Insect Science tested a variety of repellents and skin products, and were surprised to find that Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume was effective at repelling mosquitoes.

#1. Researchers Who Need to Avoid Mosquito Bites Tell What Works For Them

• Headline: Researchers Who Need to Avoid Mosquito Bites Tell What Works for Them
• Outlet: NPR
• Date: January 30^th
• Shares: 142.1K
• Summary: Researchers who study mosquitoes and spend lots of time around the insects (in jungles, marshes, and tropical areas) shared their most effective remedies to keep mosquitoes from biting. The most popular tips included using repellents that have DEET, Picaridin, or IR 3535; using lemon eucalyptus oil; following manufacturers instructions for application; and wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats with nets, socks, and shoes.