How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2014 Dengue Vectors, Human Activity, and Dengue Virus Transmission Potential in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, United States
Christopher J. Vitek, Joann A. Gutierrez, Frank J. Dirrigl
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Dengue virus is an emerging disease of concern in the Americas. Recent outbreaks in Florida highlight the potential for the virus to return to the United States. The Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas directly borders Mexico, and has experienced dengue transmission in the past concurrent with outbreaks in Mexico along the border region. We examined the potential for dengue virus transmission by examining the vectors in the region, as well as assessing human behavior. We further hypothesized that dengue vector abundance would influence human behavior. Two dengue vectors, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse), were found in the region in high abundance. More mosquitoes were collected in rural sites and sites with high vegetation. Of the two species, only Ae. albopictus showed any significant habitat preferences, being more common in rural site. While there was no correlation between human behavior and mosquito abundance, the results support a significant correlation between knowledge of mosquitoes and dengue virus and behavioral practices that might reduce risk of disease transmission. Dengue risk may be higher in certain regions of the Lower Rio Grande Valley based on socioeconomic conditions, specifically in economically poor regions such as the undeveloped colonias found in the region. Because of the proximity of this region to an area with endemic dengue, continued surveillance and risk assessment is suggested.

© 2014 Entomological Society of America
Christopher J. Vitek, Joann A. Gutierrez, and Frank J. Dirrigl "Dengue Vectors, Human Activity, and Dengue Virus Transmission Potential in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, United States," Journal of Medical Entomology 51(5), 1019-1028, (1 September 2014). https://doi.org/10.1603/ME13005
Received: 4 January 2013; Accepted: 1 June 2014; Published: 1 September 2014
JOURNAL ARTICLE
10 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
Aedes aegypti
Aedes albopictus
dengue
disease risk
human behavior
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top