Abstract
Surveillance and control activities for virus-transmitting mosquitoes have primarily focused on dwellings. There is little information about viral circulation in heavily trafficked places such as schools. We collected and analyzed data to assess the presence and prevalence of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses in mosquitoes, and measured Aedes indices in schools in Medellín (Colombia) between 2016–2018. In 43.27% of 2632 visits we collected Aedes adults, creating 883 pools analyzed by RT-PCR. 14.27% of pools yielded positive for dengue or Zika (infection rates of 1.75–296.29 for Aedes aegypti). Ae. aegypti was more abundant and had a higher infection rate for all studied diseases. Aedes indices varied over time. There was no association between Aedes abundance and mosquito infection rates, but the latter did correlate with cases of arboviral disease and climate. Results suggest schools are important sources of arbovirus and health agencies should include these sites in surveillance programs; it is essential to know the source for arboviral diseases transmission and the identification of the most population groups exposed to these diseases to research and developing new strategies.
Highlights
During the last few decades, the incidence of arboviral diseases has increased worldwide
This disease can occur at any age, a study performed in Colombia found that 50.7% of cases were observed in individuals under 19 years old, whereas 49.5% of severe dengue cases were observed in children aged under 14 years old [5]
During the three years of this study, 2362 inspections were performed in schools, and the three years of were this study, 2362in inspections were performed schools, and AedesDuring spp. adult mosquitoes captured
Summary
During the last few decades, the incidence of arboviral diseases has increased worldwide. Colombia is no stranger to this problem; in 2019, 127,553 cases and 87 confirmed deaths were reported Cities such as Cali, Medellín, and Bucaramanga have been classified as hyperendemic because there is periodic circulation of all four dengue serotypes and these cities historically have had the highest burden of dengue in Colombia [4]. This disease can occur at any age, a study performed in Colombia found that 50.7% of cases were observed in individuals under 19 years old, whereas 49.5% of severe dengue cases were observed in children aged under 14 years old [5]
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