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Copyright

Roberto Barrera;

Published On

2025-07-04

Page Range

pp. 73–86

Language

  • English

Print Length

14 pages

7. Dengue Vector Management in Dengue Outbreaks

  • Roberto Barrera (author)
Chapter of: Surveillance and Control of Dengue Vectors in the United States and Territories(pp. 73–86)
This chapter focuses on dengue vector management during outbreaks in both endemic and non-endemic regions. In non-endemic areas, rapid response to imported cases is key. This should involve intensive surveillance, contact tracing, and focused vector control (residual insecticide spraying, larvicide, source reduction) within a 100m radius. High coverage is crucial for containment. Recommendations include thorough investigation of suspected cases, proactive case finding, enhanced entomological surveillance with GIS, and comprehensive, neighbourhood-wide vector control targeting breeding sites and adult mosquitoes, alongside public education.

In endemic/epidemic areas, controlling widespread outbreaks is challenging. Prevention through pre-emptive vector control in high-risk ‘hot spot’ neighbourhoods during low transmission seasons is favourable. The response should involve multi-agency collaboration, mass spraying, public education, and enhanced case management. Early warning systems can provide lead time. Sustained, integrated vector control, guided by robust surveillance and defined mosquito density thresholds, is essential.

For an epidemic response, activating an emergency operations centre is recommended. This should emphasize community education, bed net use, healthcare training, enhanced surveillance with GIS, and prioritized, area-wide vector control combining larvicide, adulticide, and source reduction. It is vital to evaluate the impact of these interventions.

Key messages for dengue prevention target behavioural changes in terms of container management and personal protection for residents and travellers, with specific advice tailored for both endemic and non-endemic areas, as well as secondary prevention within households.

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.