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Poster Session

Disease/Vector Studies

Poster Session

P-24 - What is the prevalence of Aedes aegypti in schools in Puerto Rico?

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
12:15 PM – 1:45 PM AST
Location: Hall A
Abstract: Puerto Rico has been the site of several research and programs for the surveillance and control of Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses; however, these efforts have mainly focused on communities. There are no previous studies on the prevalence of Ae. aegypti in schools and the mosquito’s possible role in dengue virus transmission in this setting. This study assessed the presence and abundance of Ae. aegypti and the need for its control in 14 schools in Bayamón municipality, Puerto Rico. Mosquito density was evaluated in common areas of the school, including classrooms, offices, bathrooms, libraries, storage rooms, and dining rooms using Prokopack aspirators. Mosquitoes were analyzed for the presence of RNA of dengue viruses. The presence of aquatic habitats and immature mosquitoes was also determined through yard inspections. We found that adults of Ae. aegypti were found in 100% of the evaluated schools, with densities ranging from 2.43 to 0.14 females per room. The highest densities were in dining rooms (1.07), offices (1.03), bathrooms (0.95), and classrooms (0.64). No mosquitoes were infected with DENV. During yard inspections, we found that all schools had water-holding containers and of these, 85% had immature mosquitoes. The most common aquatic habitats were tires, permanent structures, discarded furniture, pots, bromeliads, and pails. These evaluations highlighted the presence of permanent structures such as pipes, storm drains, and septic tanks that could serve as constant mosquito production sites. This highlights the need to manage containers as part of the maintenance responsibilities of educational institutions. As a result of this work, we developed the guide Mosquito control and dengue prevention in schools of Puerto Rico to be distributed by the Department of Health to all schools in Puerto Rico.