Scientists have identified a surprising way to fight mosquitoes: by turning human blood into a deadly meal. A recent study from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine found that mosquitoes feeding on people taking the drug nitisinone died within 12 hours — a discovery that could revolutionize mosquito control strategies.

Originally developed to treat a rare genetic condition, nitisinone is already approved for human use. Researchers tested mosquitoes that fed on patients taking the drug and found that every insect died within hours, suggesting the drug made their blood toxic to the insects.

Unlike conventional methods such as insecticide sprays or treated bed nets, this approach puts the power of control inside the body. Nitisinone is more efficient than ivermectin — another experimental drug used in vector control — because it remains in the bloodstream longer and poses less risk to beneficial insects like bees.

For regions like Los Angeles County, where West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases are a seasonal concern, this development could offer future protection. Although the drug has not yet been tested for mosquito species common in California, the concept of turning humans into mosquito-killers opens new doors in public health.

Experts stress that more studies are needed to assess long-term ecological impacts and potential resistance. Still, if proven effective and safe, nitisinone could redefine global mosquito control by transforming the prey into the predator.