The implementation of a dengue control programme in Puerto Rico led to the discovery of previously unknown mosquito breeding sites underground. Research showed that large number of mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), which transmit dengue fever to humans, were found to breed in septic tanks. Geographical Information Systems identified significant clustering of adult mosquitoes, which led to the discovery of underground aquatic habitats (septic tanks) that were producing large numbers of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) in the treated town.

Septic tanks are widespread in suburban and rural Puerto Rico, where, apparently, they can contribute significantly to the maintenance of island-wide dengue virus endemicity.

[1] Barrera, R. ... [et al.] (2008). Unusual productivity of Aedes aegypti in septic tanks and its implications for dengue control. Medical and veterinary entomology ; vol. 22, no. 1 ; p. 62-69. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2915.2008.00720.x

Related web site: WHO - Dengue

Contact: Roberto Barrera, Dengue Branch, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Puerto Rico, rbarrera@cdc.gov

Tags: latin america & caribbean, on-site sanitation, water-related diseases