76 - Puerto Rico Vector Surveillance and Quality Control Programs

Abstract: The Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit (PRVCU), part of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, has established a comprehensive vector surveillance program targeting Aedes aegypti since 2018. This initiative includes a long-term surveillance system utilizing Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (AGO), BG Sentinel traps, and Ovi traps across 28 municipalities, covering over 90% of the island's population. The program's objectives are to monitor high-risk areas for mosquito-borne diseases and evaluate the effectiveness of vector control interventions.



Central to this initiative is a robust Quality Management System incorporating Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) protocols. QA focuses on preventing data quality issues through systematic processes, while QC emphasizes identifying and rectifying errors in collected data. The PRVCU collects an average of 11,000 female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes weekly, employing advanced GIS tools for real-time data collection and analysis.



Through continuous training and automated monitoring, the PRVCU has significantly enhanced data reliability and operational efficiency, providing a vital resource for public health decision-making and research. This presentation will outline the program's objectives, methodologies, and the impact of implementing QA/QC practices on improving data quality and supporting effective vector management strategies in Puerto Rico.