Abstract

RODRIGUEZ G., Hernán  and  DE LA HOZ R., Fernando. Dengue and dengue and vector behaviour in Cáqueza, Colombia, 2004. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2005, vol.7, n.1, pp.1-15. ISSN 0124-0064.

OBJECTIVE: Describing the behaviour of dengue and its vector in Cáqueza, Colombia (1 746 masl) by serological, entomological and virological monitoring between March and June 2004. METHODS: Two types of study were carried out. One was a cross-sectional study for serologically monitoring the population and taking entomological indicators; participants were selected from the general population by random conglomerate sampling. The second study consisted of monitoring febrile cases suspected of dengue during a four-week period. Vector behaviour (bite-rate and hours of activity) was also included by using the landing-on-humans technique; a rubbish-collecting day was run during the same period for evaluating this intervention’s short-term effectiveness. RESULTS: Total prevalence of infection by dengue (IgG positive) was 23,3 % in 252 people examined in the surveyed population. Household infestation index was 32,9 %; deposit index was 8,4 %; and Breteau index was 43,9. Following the rubbish-collection day, the infestation index became reduced by 56 % (14,5 % post-intervention), deposit index by 43 % (4,8 % post-intervention) and Breteau index by 59 % (17,9 % post-intervention). Two of the febrile patients (n=83) were IgM positive. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that dengue’s urban vector can reach dangerous levels of infestation above 1 700 masl; however, a deeper study of its bionomy is needed at these heights above sea-level during different times of the year for improving knowledge regarding climatic and environmental factors affecting their efficiency as vector in these conditions.

Keywords : Aedes aegypti; seroprevalence; sentinel surveillance; entomology; l indicators; Colombia.

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