[Dengue, chikungunya and the mosquito vector at the Southern limit of distribution during the 2023 epidemic, Argentina].

OBJECTIVES

To monitor the oviposition activity of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of dengue and chikungunya cases in four localities of temperate Argentina, during the 2023 epidemic.

METHODS

During the summer and autumn of 2023, the oviposition activity of the mosquito vector was monitored weekly using ovitraps, and the arrival of cases with dengue or chikungunya in Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca and Laprida were registered.

RESULTS

Monthly variations of the percentage of positive traps were similar in the first three locations; in Laprida the mosquito was not detected. On the contrary, a significant difference was observed in the percentage of total traps that ever tested positive in each locality, being higher in Olavarría (83.3%) than in Bahía Blanca (68.6%) and Tandil (48.7%). Regarding diseases, 18 imported cases of dengue and 3 of chikungunya were registered. In addition, the first autochthonous case of dengue in the region was recorded, being the southernmost until known.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to raise awareness and train the members of the health systems of the new regions exposed to Ae. aegypti for early detection of cases, and to the general population to enhance prevention actions.