Take That, Zika! New Wearable Device Protects Against Mosquitoes that Transmit Zika

OFF!® Clip-On™ repellent device may help keep Zika-carrying mosquitoes at bay, according to an article in the Journal of Medical Entomology.

The wearable mosquito repellant releases a vapor form of insecticide through a battery-powered fan, forming an insecticide "cloud" around the wearer.

Researchers Christopher Bibbs and Rui-De Xue of the Anastasia Mosquito Control District in Florida studied how the device performed against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (the ones who transmit Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever).

The study was conducted outdoors to replicate real-world conditions. OFF! Clip-On caused high mosquito mortality and knockdown rates up to 0.3 meters from the device, enough to protect a single person wearing the device, the study showed.

"In vector control, we see more often than not that tools available for consumers don't work for the intended purpose," says Bibbs in a news release. "Just look at all the bug zappers, repellent bracelets, sonic bug repellents, and other zany creations that wax and wane in popularity. Skepticism is inherent to the trade. But it was nice for a change of pace that one of these devices could actually do some good."