📚 Save Big on Books! Enjoy 10% off when you spend £100 and 20% off when you spend £200 (or the equivalent in supported currencies)—discount automatically applied when you add books to your cart before checkout! 🛒

Copyright

Roberto Barrera;

Published On

2025-07-04

Page Range

pp. 21–30

Language

  • English

Print Length

10 pages

4. Risk of ATVs in the US and Territories

  • Roberto Barrera (author)
Chapter of: Surveillance and Control of Dengue Vectors in the United States and Territories(pp. 21–30)
The risk of acquiring ATVs and the need to control virus transmission varies between geographical locations, depending on the presence and dynamics of the vector and virus populations. US states and territories are classified here with varying expected risks for ATV transmission. This classification is mainly based on historical patterns of ATV transmission, distribution of vector species, and climate. The main purpose of this classification is to allow an initial rapid assessment of the importance of detecting cases in the US.

Endemic/Epidemic areas (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa) experience ongoing dengue transmission, primarily by Ae. aegypti, with periodic epidemics. These tropical territories offer conducive climates and housing for persistent vector and virus populations.
Non-endemic areas with elevated risk (Southern Florida, Texas, subtropical US, California, Hawaii, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands) harbour Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus and have reported local ATV outbreaks, indicating potential for the emergence or re-emergence of endemicity. Frequent virus introductions by travellers exacerbates this risk. While Ae. albopictus is considered a less efficient vector, it has driven outbreaks in some Pacific territories and Hawaii.

Non-endemic areas with lower risk (at northern latitudes) have established Ae. albopictus populations and occasional Ae. aegypti introductions, but widespread ATV transmission is less common. Factors like housing infrastructure (screens, AC) and Ae. albopictus’ feeding habits may limit transmission. Most cases are imported, although localized transmission during warmer months is possible.

Finally, no-risk areas lack established dengue vector populations (Alaska, many western and midwestern states, etc.), thus presenting minimal to no risk of local ATV transmission despite occasional vector introductions.

This risk assessment is crucial for guiding surveillance and control efforts across the US and territories.

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.