ABSTRACT
In response to three imported dengue cases in north central Texas as well as increased case numbers in Texas and adjoining Mexican states in 2005, the authors assessed the potential risk of a dengue outbreak in north central Texas by investigating abundance and temporal variation of dengue vectors in 2006. Dengue vector abundance was monitored from 54 sites in Dallas County, Texas, from June to November 2006, using oviposition traps. Both dengue vectors--the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus--were present. Of the two, Ae. albopictus was more abundant and its abundance appeared to be positively affected by temperature and precipitation. Potential risk of a dengue outbreak was predicted based on the abundance and temporal variation of dengue vectors and a long-term trend of breeding season precipitation and warmer winter temperatures.
Subject(s)
Aedes , Dengue/transmission , Insect Vectors , Risk Assessment/methods , Animals , Climate , Data Collection , Dengue/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , Humans , Mosquito Control , Texas/epidemiologyABSTRACT
In response to three dengue cases in north central Texas in 2005, the authors assessed the potential risk of a dengue outbreak in Dallas County in 2006. As a part of the assessment, habitat factors for dengue vector mosquitoes were quantified and associated with their abundances. In addition, percent population originated from endemic countries (Hispanic origin in the Census data) was associated with vector abundances and habitat factors of the vectors. Percent population data were obtained from publicly accessible databases. The areas with higher Hispanic populations had more Aedes aegypti and container numbers and also appeared to have more shade, which is attractive to this species. The methodology of this study may help to devise a practical strategy to reduce the risk of dengue outbreak in areas where dengue vector activity is present and a potential source of infection.
