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Copyright

Roberto Barrera;

Published On

2025-07-04

Page Range

pp. 3–16

Language

  • English

Print Length

14 pages

2. Dengue Vectors

  • Roberto Barrera (author)
Chapter of: Surveillance and Control of Dengue Vectors in the United States and Territories(pp. 3–16)
This chapter is critical for understanding and combating dengue and other ATVs. It identifies Ae. aegypti (principal global vector), Ae. albopictus, and potentially Ae. polynesiensis as key vectors in the US and territories, detailing their distinct biology and behaviours. The chapter emphasizes their life cycle, habitat preferences in natural and artificial water containers, feeding and resting habits, and the resilience of their desiccation-resistant eggs.

A significant point is the influence of human activities and infrastructure on vector populations. Deficient public services and housing conditions, along with behaviours like water storage, directly contribute to mosquito production sites. This chapter also clarifies vector distribution, the ecological interactions between species (such as competition), and the challenges posed by cryptic aquatic habitats.

Furthermore, this chapter provides resources for vector identification, crucial for surveillance. Finally, it explores the complex relationship between ecological factors, climate events, and vector dynamics, highlighting the need to consider these influences for effective disease prevention. This foundational entomological knowledge is indispensable for developing targeted and sustainable strategies to control dengue vectors and mitigate the risk of ATV transmission.

Contributors

Roberto Barrera

(author)

Roberto Barrera, PhD, is a researcher specializing in mosquito ecology, with a focus on disease-vector ecology, control strategies, and the eco-epidemiology of diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology, majoring in Ecology, from the Central University of Venezuela, where he initiated his research on urban mosquito ecology. Dr Barrera pursued his PhD in Ecology at the Pennsylvania State University, focusing on mosquito ecology. He was a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Florida, studying biotic interactions among Aedes mosquitoes. After retiring as a meritorious Professor at the Central University of Venezuela, Dr Barrera joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the Team Lead of the Entomology and Ecology Activity at the Dengue Branch in Puerto Rico. His current work involves investigating the ecology and control of dengue vectors. Throughout his career, Dr Barrera has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to public health practice and programme evaluation. He has also helped various countries during epidemics and natural disasters across different world regions. With over 120 peer-reviewed scientific articles, a book chapter, guidelines on vector surveillance and control, and extensive participation in conferences and workshops, Dr Barrera is widely recognized for his expertise in the field of ecological studies and control measures related to vector-borne pathogens.