Novel Strategies to Control Aedes aegypti and Dengue

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases are resurgent throughout the world. There are critical needs to develop novel approaches and strategies and improved public health capacity to prevent and control these diseases. Dengue is an archetypical resurging and emerging disease. At the Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, we are investigating novel strategies for Aedes aegypti and dengue control; including development of (1) transgenic Ae. aegypti that are innately immunologically resistant to dengue virus infection, (2) a Casa Segura (safe house) approach based upon long-lasting insecticide-Treated materials to protect humans from Ae. aegypti in the epidemiologically most important point of contact -The home, and (3) a dengue decision support system to enhance the efficacy of Ae. aegypti and dengue control programs. The results provide promise for targeting the vector to prevent and control dengue. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.