Arbovirus Prevalence and Vulnerability Assessment Through Entomological Surveillance in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Entomology
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• * Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit arboviruses, posing significant health risks and exacerbating disparities, particularly in subtropical regions like Puerto Rico.
• * Year-round circulation of A. aegypti in Puerto Rico facilitates continuous arbovirus transmission.
• * Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for arboviruses is crucial for targeted public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To determine the prevalence of arboviruses in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and community members in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
• * To investigate the impact of sociodemographic and environmental factors on arbovirus presence.
• * To inform public health interventions for arboviral disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• * A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
• * Prevalence of arboviruses was assessed in both mosquito vectors and human populations.
• * Statistical analyses, including odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), were used to evaluate risk factors.

Main Results:

• * High seroprevalence for arboviruses: Dengue (96.0%), Zika (77%), Chikungunya (56%), and Mayaro virus (17%).
• * Dengue virus 1 (DENV-1) was detected exclusively in mosquitoes from urban areas.
• * Uncovered water storage (OR = 3.5) and proximity to rivers (OR = 1.6) increased arbovirus odds; lower income was a significant social determinant (OR = 2.9).

Conclusions:

• * Widespread arbovirus exposure in Ponce necessitates urgent public health action.
• * Environmental factors (water storage, river proximity) and socioeconomic status (income) are key determinants of arbovirus risk.
• * Integrated public health programs, including vector control and community education, are essential for prevention.