A potential risk assessment of a dengue outbreak in north central Texas, USA. (Part 1 of 2): Abundance and temporal variation of dengue vectors.

In response to three imported dengue cases in north central Texas as well as increased case numbers in Texas and adjoining Mexican states in 2005, the authors assessed the potential risk of a dengue outbreak in north central Texas by investigating abundance and temporal variation of dengue vectors in 2006. Dengue vector abundance was monitored from 54 sites in Dallas County, Texas, from June to November 2006, using oviposition traps. Both dengue vectors--the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus--were present. Of the two, Ae. albopictus was more abundant and its abundance appeared to be positively affected by temperature and precipitation. Potential risk of a dengue outbreak was predicted based on the abundance and temporal variation of dengue vectors and a long-term trend of breeding season precipitation and warmer winter temperatures.