SURVEILLANCE OF AEDES AEGYPTI AFTER RESURGENCE IN DOWNTOWN ST. AUGUSTINE, NORTHEASTERN FLORIDA

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is an anthropophilic vector of several arboviruses, including yellow fever, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, and the infamous Zika virus. In 2016, Zika virus was spreading rapidly throughout Brazil and mosquito control districts expected Zika virus would be imported to Florida and vectored by endemic Aedes aegypti. Aedes aegypti often takes advantage of cryptic oviposition sites and therefore circumvents conventional control and surveillance strategies used by mosquito control practitioners. The objective of this study was to find Ae. aegypti breeding sites in the tourist district of Saint Augustine, FL, using a door-to-door on-foot approach. Mosquito control technicians, biologists and interns worked to inspect and treat each property for Ae. aegypti. Additionally, residents were informed about Ae. aegypti and its public health risk factors. In total, Anastasia Mosquito Control District inspected 1199 of the 1995 parcels in downtown Saint Augustine (60% coverage) in three months. Artificial containers were found at 1,099 of the homes inspected, and Ae. aegypti were found at 120 homes in the area. Each property where mosquito larvae and/or adults were detected was treated using source reduction, larvicides and adulticides. Residents were educated about this project and Ae. aegypti via small flyers, door hangers, pamphlets and/or verbal communication. This study provided insight into the location of Ae. aegypti breeding sites in the tourist district of Saint Augustine, FL, which will facilitate future control efforts.