Entomological Impact and Current Perceptions of Novaluron and Temephos against the Aedes Aegypti (Skuse) Vector of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika Arboviruses in a Coastal Town in Ecuador
Two larvicides, temephos (Abate®) and novaluron (Mosquiron®) were compared in a field trial in Colonche, Ecuador against Aedes aegypti (Skuse). Community perceptions of dengue fever along with acceptance of new methods were evaluated.
Homes were inspected for water storage containers and the evaluation of two larvicides was conducted post-application to 189L drums citywide. The city was split in half using the main street to assign treatment areas: the northern part of the city received temephos in 43 drums, while the southern side of the city received novaluron applications in 66 drums. Aedes population density was assessed by eggs counts. Eggs were collected from oviposition traps every 7days for 56 days. A survey was administered to the community to determine dengue related knowledge and risk perception.
Eggs were reduced from an average of 37 and 15 to 0 at day 7 post-treatment for the temephos and novaluron sites, respectively. Significant reductions were found only at days 7 and 14 for both treatment sites. Most of the respondents thought that protection against mosquito bites was important, however only 50% of them knew about either the locations of larval habitats or source reduction practices. About 16% reported they did not want to use a different larvicide than temephos. Yet, some participants reported concerns about temephos applications.
Results showed that fewer eggs were collected at pre and post-treatment but were apparently lower in the novaluron site. Both interventions were effective up to 15 days post-application. Short effect could be explained by the lack of knowledge in the community about dengue prevention practices. Interventions need to be tailored to the local ecology and social conditions so they can be effective, thus such should follow the principles of integrated vector management.