The Venezuelan Ministry of Health has been using Malathion as an insecticide to control Aedes aegypti for the last decades with acceptable results. However, lately, certain degree of Malathiion resistance has been found, and other insecticides have been added. Unfortunately, it has not been clear the relationship of insecticide control efforts and incidence of dengue that has been steadily increasing in the last 15 years. An ecological study was conducted using entomological and epidemiological data from the Venezuelan Ministry of Health to determine the impact between Malathion resistance of Aedes aegypti, and the incidence and mortality of dengue fever in five endemic states of Venezuela. The association of entomological and epidemiological variables was carried out by using linear and Poisson regression analysis. The larvicide resistance was studied by using the 50% lethal concentration, and the 50% resistance factor. It was found an important and significant association between increased degree of insecticide resistance and increase incidence and mortality of Dengue Fever (p < 0.001). However, no association was found with the incidence rate of Hemorragic Dengue Fever. Therefore, insecticide control is efficient but perhaps the coverage or periodicity is not sufficient to reduce the incidence and mortality rates in Venezuela. More resources are necessary to improve coverage and control Dengue in Venezuela.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation the participant will be able to 1. Describe the basic epidemiology of Dengue Fever. 2. Describe the dynamics of transmission of Dengue Fever. 3. Understand the methodology used to assess mosquito insecticide resistance. 4. Undestand how to use linear and Poisson regression analysis to evaluate the impact of insecticide resistance and incidence and mortality of Dengue Fever. 5. Appreciate the usefulness and limitations of insecticide to control of Aedes aegypti as a tool for public health programs against Dengue Fever.
Keywords: International Public Health, Emerging Diseases
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