More than 60% of Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites could have been avoided in inspections

Dengue

Data takes into account the most up-to-date epidemiological report on dengue in Amazonas

Manaus (AM) – The Health Surveillance Foundation – Dr. Rosemary Costa Pinto (FVS-RCP), from the State Department of Health of Amazonas, warns that 66.8% of breeding sites for Aedes aegypti, which transmits arboviruses, such as dengue, in Amazonas, are in water deposits that could have been avoided by carrying out weekly mosquito inspections.

The percentage refers to the sum of breeding sites in deposits for storing water for consumption, in objects that can be removed or protected, such as tires and irregularly packed garbage; and mobile deposits, such as vases/bottles with water, dishes, drinking fountains and construction materials, such as stored toilets.

The quantity takes into account the most recent Dengue Epidemiological Report in Amazonas, updated on December 28, 2023, available at:

Tatyana Amorim, director-president of FVS-RCP, highlights that the work to eliminate breeding sites must be constant with the population in joint action with the actions developed by the Municipal Health Departments, especially during the seasonal dengue period which, in Amazonas, coincides with the rainy period normally recorded from November to June.

“The Foundation is committed to providing necessary guidance, resources and support, but the battle against dengue is the responsibility of all of us. Together, managers and the population can significantly reduce cases and guarantee a healthier environment for everyone in Amazonas”,

said the CEO of FVS-RCP.

The spawning of Aedes aegypti occurs with the deposit of the female’s eggs in the breeding site close to the water surface. To prevent the process, it is essential to eliminate all potential sources of the transmitting mosquito. If this is not possible, all water storage areas must be kept tightly closed and protected with suitable screens and covers.

The manager of Vector Transmitted Diseases (GDTV-Dengue) in the Department of Environmental Surveillance (DVA) at FVS-RCP, Luzia Mustafa, adds that it is important to wash, with a brush or steel wool, the walls of containers that cannot be disposed of , where the mosquito egg can remain attached.

“We advise residents to carry out an inspection of their homes, at least once a week, in all types of deposits that can accumulate water, becoming possible breeding sites. It is necessary to monitor the water storage tanks and wash them once a week to eliminate mosquito eggs and deposits that can be removed. This is the best way to prevent dengue transmission,”

adds the manager.

Weekly inspection

To prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes that transmit arboviruses, the recommendation is that the population applies the strategy of 10 minutes of inspection per week of possible mosquito breeding sites to keep the home, work environment and school mosquito-free. Home inspection is a simple measure and can be implemented in everyday life.

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