A potential risk assessment of a dengue outbreak in north central texas, usa (part 2 of 2): development of a practical prevention strategy

In response to three dengue cases in north central Texas in 2005, the authors assessed the potential risk of a dengue outbreak in Dallas County in 2006. As a part of the assessment, habitat factors for dengue vector mosquitoes were quantified and associated with their abundances. In addition, percent population originated from endemic countries (Hispanic origin in the Census data) was associated with vector abundances and habitat factors of the vectors. Percent population data were obtained from publicly accessible databases. The areas with higher Hispanic populations had more Aedes aegypti and container numbers and also appeared to have more shade, which is attractive to this species. The methodology of this study may help to devise a practical strategy to reduce the risk of dengue outbreak in areas where dengue vector activity is present and a potential source of infection.