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Copyright

Roberto Barrera;

Published On

2025-07-04

Page Range

pp. 87–92

Language

  • English

Print Length

6 pages

8. Personal Protection Against Mosquito Bites and Recommendations for Improving Surveillance and Control

  • Roberto Barrera (author)
Chapter of: Surveillance and Control of Dengue Vectors in the United States and Territories(pp. 87–92)
Reducing mosquito-human contact is critical for preventing dengue transmission. Effective personal protection methods include using window and door screens, bed nets (especially for febrile patients), topical repellents, area repellents, and insecticide-treated clothing. While bed nets may be less effective during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are active, they are essential for isolating infected individuals. Recommended repellents include DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and para-menthane-diol, whose effectiveness is influenced by concentration and environmental factors. Area repellents, primarily pyrethroids, can create mosquito-free zones, while permethrin-treated clothing offers extended protection. Product effectiveness depends on proper use and local mosquito susceptibility.

This chapter also highlights key strategies to enhance dengue vector surveillance and control in the US and territories. It calls for improved monitoring systems using GIS, novel mosquito traps, and routine insecticide resistance assessments. Emphasis is placed on targeting non-endemic areas and fostering collaboration and data sharing. Integrated vector management (IVM), community engagement, and ongoing research into control agents are essential for effective intervention. Finally, this chapter stresses the importance of resistance management, pre-emptive control in high-risk areas, and capacity building for vector control personnel to ensure long-term, sustainable mosquito and disease control efforts.

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.