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Copyright

Roberto Barrera;

Published On

2025-07-04

Page Range

pp. 49–72

Language

  • English

Print Length

24 pages

6. Dengue Vector Control

  • Roberto Barrera (author)
Chapter of: Surveillance and Control of Dengue Vectors in the United States and Territories(pp. 49–72)
Vector control is implemented in several situations: to eliminate a dengue vector species that has invaded a new area and prevent its spread; to contain an ATV that may spread following its introduction to an area (through travel, for example); to prevent outbreaks in regions where dengue vectors are already established; and to manage impending or declared dengue epidemics.

Effective vector control requires an integrated vector management programme. This programme trains vector control personnel, implements vector control activities, maintains and analyses data, produces reports, and is responsible for the efficacy of these activities. It also coordinates inter-governmental and agency collaboration, maintains liaisons with nongovernmental organizations, recommends policies and legislation, and develops educational materials for the public.

The programme should be directed by a doctoral-level professional or somebody with equivalent experience (entomologist/biologist/ecologist), with the capacity to manage all aspects of the programme whilst supported by a high-level administrator. The programme should have doctoral and master-level personnel responsible for training control personnel, supervising control activities in the field, and conducting operational research and evaluation activities, such as testing novel vector control tools. Field personnel (supervisors, inspectors) to carry out vector surveillance and control should be based within the regions (districts, municipalities). Other key personnel include health educators to develop educational and training materials for vector control professionals and the public/communities, promote community participation in vector control activities, maintain intra- and inter-agency collaboration and coordination, and interact with the press.

This chapter details strategies for effective dengue vector control. Success depends on the quality of the control agent, efficiency of the delivery system, coverage, and impact evaluation, considering the resilience of Aedes mosquitoes.

Pre-adult control targets aquatic habitats, where immature mosquitoes develop, through environmental management (eliminating containers) and larvicides (bio-rational options like Bti and Spinosad, insect growth regulators, and monomolecular films). Biological control uses aquatic predators. In order to evaluate the success of pre-adult control, both immature and adult populations should be monitored.

Adult control involves chemical methods like residual insecticide spraying (indoor/outdoor spraying, barrier treatments) and space spraying. Mosquito traps employ ‘pull’ strategies, such as ovitraps/gravid traps (sticky, insecticide-treated, or larvicide-containing) or attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs). Mass trapping with gravid traps shows promise in reducing vector populations and disease transmission, contingent on trap efficacy and coverage.

Effective vector control necessitates an integrated approach targeting all life stages, with community involvement and continuous evaluation, due to the adaptability of dengue vectors. The selection of appropriate methods depends on the local ecology of vectors and the specific goals of the control programme.

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.