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Risk factors for dengue infection during an outbreak in Yanes, Puerto Rico in 1991
L Rodriguez-Figueroa1, J G Rigau-Perez, E L Suarez
1Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan.
Summary
A 1991 dengue outbreak study in Puerto Rico found that the number of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a home significantly predicted recent dengue virus infection. This highlights the importance of controlling indoor mosquito populations to prevent dengue transmission.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Medical Entomology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dengue fever outbreaks pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective vector control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors associated with recent dengue virus infection during an outbreak in Puerto Rico.
- To identify key entomologic, environmental, and behavioral predictors of dengue transmission at the household level.
Main Methods:
- Conducted serologic and epidemiologic surveys during a dengue outbreak in Yanes, Florida, Puerto Rico.
- Utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for serologic diagnosis of recent dengue infection.
- Employed univariate and multivariate logistic regression to analyze associations between risk factors and dengue incidence.
Main Results:
- Serologic testing revealed a recent dengue infection rate of 18%, significantly higher than the self-reported incidence of 5%.
- The presence of anti-dengue antibodies was confirmed in 84% of participants tested.
- The density of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes per person was identified as the sole significant household risk factor for recent dengue infection (P = 0.02).
Conclusions:
- Intradomiciliary populations of Aedes aegypti are critical drivers of dengue virus transmission.
- Findings underscore the necessity of targeted mosquito control measures focusing on indoor vector populations.
- This study provides valuable insights for optimizing dengue prevention and control programs.