42 - PRVCU: An Integrated Vector Management Program for the Prevention and Control of the Aedes aegypti in Puerto Rico

Abstract: Aedes aegypti is globally recognized as the most efficient vector for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya due partly to its close association with humans and its breeding in and around houses. This container-breeding mosquito is present year-round in Puerto Rico contributing to the endemicity of these arboviruses. Since 2016, the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU) has promoted an island-wide program of Integrated Vector Management combining vector control activities, vector and arbovirus surveillance, and community engagement and education. There are diverse challenges for the implementation of vector control strategies such as lack of capacity and capability, lack of a comprehensive island-wide strategy for vector control and the necessary legal framework, lack of community involvement, insecticide resistance, among others. The PRVCU has a network of up to 2,000 traps to monitor the presence of the Ae. aegypti around the archipelago. Moreover, PRVCU processes 1,000-1,800 mosquito pools/week through our in-house molecular laboratory PCR system. During this year, three of the four dengue serotypes circulated and were detected in mosquitoes in Puerto Rico. National and international projects have been conducted to control mosquitoes and prevent arboviruses such as the use of the Wolbachia bacterium in Ae. aegypti, use of mosquito screens in houses, mass trapping, larvicides, among others. To disseminate information concerning the prevention and control about this topic various activities were conducted such as the use of social media, paid and non-paid public campaigns, newsletters, videos, house-to-house visits, training, and others with extensive reach. For effective control of mosquitoes and to prevent arboviruses it is important to use an integration of methods and collaboration between stakeholders and multisectoral allies. In this presentation, we will discuss this topic in more detail.