According to a new study, sugar feeding prior to having an infected blood meal could protect a mosquito`s ability to get infected and transmit arboviruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya.

The finding, published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, could lead to the development and application of vector control strategies such as sugar baits, aimed at reducing arbovirus transmission.

Dengue is a growing concern in India. At least 124 cases of dengue have been reported in the Indian national capital this year, according to a civic report, released on Monday. The number of dengue cases for January 1 to September 4 period is also the highest this year since 2018 when the count had stood at 137 in the same duration. Mumbai also reported a huge spurt in dengue cases, up from just 10 in August last year to 130-plus in the same month this year. Malaria, dengue and chikungunya are accompanied with high fever and therefore, doctors feel that people might suspect that they have contracted COVID-19.