Spatio-temporal variability in the transmission of dengue in Buenos Aires City
Carbajo, Aíbal.E.; Gómez, S.M.; Curto, S.I.; Schweigmann, Nás.J.
Medicina 64(3): 231-234
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7680 PMID: 15239537 Document Number: 568254
Cases of dengue detected in Buenos Aires, Argentina between 1999 and 2000 confirmed the possibility of epidemic outbreaks occurring in the city. The activity of its vector, Aedes aegypti was monitored to study the spatial and temporal risk of dengue transmission. Adult oviposition activity showed a heterogeneous spatio-temporal distribution pattern, specifically between October and May. The vector was detected from spring to fall, in the northern, western and southern areas of the city (periphery); A. aegypti was collected in the eastern parts (downtown-river) of the city only during summer. The proportion of infested sites differed between the 3 periods but the infested areas coincided spatially. Although a spatial and temporal heterogeneity existed, the pattern repeated itself during the 3 periods suggesting stable dynamics. The uninfested areas had the highest human population densities, whereas the infested areas showed the lowest. This information represents an attenuation in the risk since population density does not coincide with infestation rates. The data indicate that a higher risk of transmission is present between January and March at the periphery of the city.