[Vector management of arbovirosis cases notified in the city of Valencia, Spain (2016-2018).]

Area of Science:

• Public Health Entomology
• Infectious Disease Ecology
• Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Imported arboviruses, including dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV), pose a significant public health threat due to the establishment of the Aedes albopictus vector in Spain.
• Autochthonous transmission of these arboviruses has been observed in Spain, likely linked to undetected or unmanaged imported cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of vector management interventions in response to imported arbovirus cases in Valencia, Spain.
• To evaluate the role of Aedes albopictus surveillance in identifying and mitigating arbovirus transmission risks.

Main Methods:

• Vector management interventions were implemented in Valencia between 2016 and 2018 under a coordinated protocol with regional health authorities.
• Entomological surveillance and vector control actions were initiated following the reporting of 21 arbovirus cases (8 DENV, 7 CHIKV, 6 ZIKV).

Main Results:

• Aedes albopictus presence was detected within established risk zones in 38% (8 out of 21) of reported arbovirus cases.
• These interventions provided crucial data on environmental risks associated with arbovirus amplification.

Conclusions:

• Vector surveillance and control strategies are effective in assessing and reducing the environmental risk of arbovirus amplification.
• Rapid interventions are necessary due to short viremic phases to minimize potential human-vector contact and transmission.