Abstract
As part of a larger research program evaluating chemical threshold levels for a Push-Pull intervention to reduce man-vector (Aedes aegypti) contact, this qualitative study explored local perceptions and strategies associated with mosquito control within dengue-endemic communities in Peru and Thailand. Focus groups were used to provide preliminary information that would identify possible public acceptance issues to the Push-Pull strategy in each site. Nine focus group discussions (total of 102 individuals) conducted between September 2008 and March 2009 examined several themes: 1) current mosquito control practices; 2) perceptions of spatial repellency and contact irritancy versus killing mosquitoes; and 3) initial perceptions toward mosquito host-seeking traps. Results indicate participants use household-level strategies for insect control that reveal familiarity with the concept of spatial repellent and contact irritant actions of chemicals and that placing traps in the peridomestic environment to remove repelled mosquitoes was acceptable. Preliminary evidence suggests a Push-Pull strategy should be well accepted in these locations. These results will be beneficial for developing future large scale push-pull interventions and are currently being used to guide insecticide application strategies in (entomological) proof-of-concept studies using experimental huts.
Highlights
Dengue viruses cause more human morbidity and mortality worldwide than any other arthropod-borne virus, and represent the most rapidly advancing vector-borne disease in the world.[1,2,3] Infections produce a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from a nonspecific viral syndrome to severe and fatal hemorrhagic disease
Indoor residual or space spray techniques, such as thermal fogging and ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying, are used for controlling adult Ae. aegypti.[5,6,7]. These measures are implemented at the time or shortly after an epidemic has been identified to serve as emergency control but, these may have a dramatic effect in reducing the numbers of reported dengue cases for a transient time following application, are not used for disease prevention.[8]
The following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals were obtained for Peru: U.S Naval Medical Research Center Detachment in Lima (NMRCD) and Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Summary
Dengue viruses cause more human morbidity and mortality worldwide than any other arthropod-borne virus, and represent the most rapidly advancing vector-borne disease in the world.[1,2,3] Infections produce a spectrum of clinical illness ranging from a nonspecific viral syndrome to severe and fatal hemorrhagic disease. Indoor residual or space spray techniques, such as thermal fogging and ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying, are used for controlling adult Ae. aegypti.[5,6,7] These measures are implemented at the time or shortly after an epidemic has been identified to serve as emergency control but, these may have a dramatic effect in reducing the numbers of reported dengue cases for a transient time following application, are not used for disease prevention.[8] In addition to the logistical complexities local vector control authorities have in implementing these strategies (i.e., financial and labor constraints, infrastructure limitations, and public willingness to allow access to enter homes), insecticide resistance within the vector population can warrant a once effective killing agent ineffective thereby decreasing the available chemical
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