Smart Mosquito Surveillance System | 09 Jul 2025

Source: IE

In a tech-driven public health initiative, Andhra Pradesh has launched the Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS) to monitor and control mosquito populations.

SMoSS uses Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered sensors, drones, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices to detect mosquito species, gender, population density, and weather conditions.
- Real-time alerts are triggered when mosquito levels exceed safe limits, enabling targeted spraying and fogging instead of ineffective blind spraying.
- Drones are used for cost-effective larvicide spraying, while a central dashboard ensures live monitoring and quick response. The system will be managed by specialised agencies with accountability tracked via mobile apps.
Common Mosquito-Borne Disease:
- Zika Virus Disease: Zika is a viral infection primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
  - It can lead to Microcephaly and other birth defects in babies born to infected pregnant women.
- Dengue: Caused by the dengue virus and spread by Aedes mosquitoes, it has four serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, DEN-4). Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, and intense joint and muscle pain.
  - Diagnosis is through blood tests, but there is no specific treatment for dengue.
  - India continues to bear a heavy dengue burden over 2.3 lakh cases and 297 deaths in 2024.
- Yellow Fever: A viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
  - It can lead to jaundice, organ failure, or death in severe cases. Around 30,000 deaths are reported annually.
  - The term "yellow" comes from the jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) some patients experience.
  - Yellow fever vaccine which is known as 17D and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) also it is safe and affordable.
- Chikungunya: A viral disease spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, it is characterised by sudden fever and intense joint pain. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya.