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Spatial clustering of aedes aegypti related to breeding container characteristics in coastal Ecuador: Implications for dengue control

Abstract:

Mosquito management within households remains central to the control of dengue virus transmission. An important factor in these management decisions is the spatial clustering of Aedes aegypti.We measured spatial clustering of Ae. aegypti in the town of Borb́ n, Ecuador and assessed what characteristics of breeding containers influenced the clustering. We used logistic regression to assess the spatial extent of that clustering. We found strong evidence for juvenile mosquito clustering within 20 m and for adult mosquito clustering within 10 m, and stronger clustering associations for containers 3 40 L than those > 40 L. Aedes aegypti clusters persisted after adjusting for various container characteristics, suggesting that patterns are likely attributable to short dispersal distances rather than shared characteristics of containers in cluster areas. These findings have implications for targeting Ae. aegypti control efforts. Copyright © 2013 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.