[Surveillance of the dengue vector at its distribution limit. A collaborative experience between the scientific, municipal and citizen ambits].

INTRODUCTION

In Argentina, during the last decade a southward expansion of the mosquito Aedes aegypti has been observed, accompanied by an expansion in the dengue transmission. The objective of this study was to assess the establishment of the dengue mosquito vector in a locality next to its distribution limits by a collaborative work among scientific, municipal and citizen ambits.

METHODS

A vector surveillance system through ovitraps was implemented, and it was complemented by pictures and mosquitoes captured by citizens, and by the active search of breeding sites in different urban spaces of Tandil City, Argentina.

RESULTS

The establishment of Aedes aegypti population in the city was demonstrated, both by ovitraps and citizen science contributions. This information made it possible to begin to make the problem visible among municipal authorities and citizens.

DISCUSSION: Dengue is an invisible disease in localities in which the mosquito vector has been spreading during the last decade. The information produced by the entomological surveillance is the necessary basis to addresssocial communication to produce behavioral changes in the responsible authorities as well as in the families.