The differences of dengue vectors and human behavior between families with and without members having dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever

Abstract

Dengue vectors, human knowledge and behavior have been reported to play an important role in the transmission of dengue. This study was designed to understand the differences of dengue vectors and the behavior between families with (target group) and without (control group) members having dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever. Population density of dengue vectors were determined by ovitrap index. The living conditions, knowledge, and behavior related to dengue were investigated by questionnaire survey. Long-term ovitrap indices obtained in the target group was significantly higher than those obtained in the control. Most of the respondents had sufficient knowledge about the transmission and prevention of dengue. However, only low percentages of the families frequently cleaned water-filled containers and ditches around their residence, especially in the target group. These findings indicate that higher indices of dengue vectors and dengue-related behavior are important in the transmission of indigenous dengue.

Keywords:

• Behavior
• dengue vector
• knowledge
• ovitrap index

Acknowledgments

This study was supported in part by a grant (No. EPA-91-J101-02-700) from the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan, Republic of China.