UC Davis

Dengue is the most widespread vector-borne viral infection globally and a serious public health problem. The 2023-2024 dengue outbreak across Latin America has drastically impacted Peru, including previously unaffected areas such as metropolitan Lima and Amazonian rural communities, presumably due to climate change. Research studies conducted in Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, showed that ultra-low-volume pyrethroid spray applications against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti were effective when adequate coverage and quality control were carried out. Insecticide-treated curtains were not effective at controlling dengue transmission in Iquitos, whereas the use of passive spatial repellent emanators demonstrated 34% protective efficacy against Aedes-borne virus infection. In modeling studies, targeted indoor residual spray strategies showed promising reductions in dengue transmission, which require empirical evaluation. Trials conducted in Iquitos have shown that larval control alone is not sufficient to control Ae. aegypti, urging that government programs must consider integrated vector management.