Impact of Waste Management on Infectious Disease Control: Evaluating Strategies to Mitigate Dengue Transmission and Mosquito Breeding Sites – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is a significant global public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Severe cases, including dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), can be fatal. Recent outbreaks in Bangladesh highlight the disease's escalating threat, with inadequate waste management playing a critical role in mosquito breeding and disease transmission. Methods: This review aims to assess the effectiveness of various waste management techniques, such as gasification, pyrolysis, compaction, and incineration, in reducing the buildup of garbage and, therefore, the spread of mosquito breeding grounds. This review also assesses the waste-derived containers used for storing wastewater, which act as breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. This review identifies Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae density in ten dengue-endemic regions. Larval samples were collected from various outdoor containers using dipping methods and analyzed through the Container Index (CI). The CI represents the percentage of containers infested with larvae and indicates the potential for dengue transmission. Results: The review revealed that high CI values in locations such as Dire Dawa, Ethiopia (54%), and Tamil Nadu, India (32.2%) indicated significant risk for dengue transmission. In contrast, a low CI value of 0.15% was observed in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, corresponding with lower dengue incidence. Results showed that poorly managed waste sites, particularly those accumulating stagnant water, contributed to higher CI values. Conclusion: Effective waste management, including proper disposal and reduced breeding grounds, is crucial in mitigating dengue transmission. The review emphasizes the need for improved waste management infrastructure, community involvement, and government-led policy frameworks to control Aedes mosquito populations and reduce dengue outbreaks.