Editor's note

A new batch of emoji will be released in mid 2018 — including a mosquito emoji. Mosquitoes have been identified as the most dangerous animal on the planet, and Australian scientists Cameron Webb and Ian Mackay believe the new emoji will open up new opportunities in public health and citizen science. Emoji are already known to be an effective means of communication and data collection on issues such as nutrition, exercise and vaccine coverage, so why not for health messages relating to mosquitoes?

For monitoring mosquito numbers, alerting authorities about mosquito-borne disease outbreaks or even warning people to cover up open water sources to prevent mosquito breeding, look out for new the mosquito emoji in mid 2018.

Sarah Keenihan

Section Editor: Science + Technology

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Set to land in mid 2018, the new mosquito emoji will give people a new way to talk about mozzies. Cameron Webb

How the new mozzie emoji can create buzz to battle mosquito-borne disease

Cameron Webb, University of Sydney; Ian M. Mackay, The University of Queensland

The mozzies are coming! A mosquito emoji will be available on your devices in mid 2018, providing a new angle for communicating the science and health implications of these very dangerous insects.

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