Groundbreaking Study Demonstrates Effectiveness of Indoor Mosquito Control in Reducing Dengue Cases

A comprehensive clinical trial has shown that a targeted indoor residual spraying (TIRS) method significantly decreases mosquito populations and reduces dengue fever cases within communities. Conducted in Mérida, Mexico, by researchers from Emory University in collaboration with local health authorities and the Autonomous University of Yucatán, this large-scale study provides promising insights into innovative mosquito control strategies.

The trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, tested the impact of a preventative insecticide application inside homes in high-risk neighborhoods before dengue outbreaks typically occur. The results indicated that the TIRS approach cut mosquito numbers by approximately 60% over six months and achieved a 24% reduction in dengue cases across the community.

Led by Professor Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, the research team faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training local health workers remotely and implementing door-to-door interventions. Nearly 5,000 children and thousands of households participated, with the team treating 33,000 homes in dengue hotspot areas with long-lasting insecticide prior to the rainy season, when mosquito activity peaks.

While the intervention did not significantly reduce dengue cases among children within the study group, community-wide surveillance revealed a notable decline in cases overall. The variation among age groups may be influenced by mobility patterns and the complex nature of dengue transmission, which involves multiple viral serotypes and asymptomatic carriers.

The findings suggest that targeted indoor spraying can be a powerful component of integrated vector management, especially as climate change and urbanization continue to exacerbate mosquito-borne disease risks globally. Researchers emphasize the need for multifaceted tools, including environmental management and public health campaigns, to combat Aedes mosquitoes effectively.

This study marks a significant advancement in public health strategies against dengue, providing a model for other endemic areas worldwide to adopt similar community-based interventions. Continued research aims to optimize the TIRS method and explore its application to other vector-borne diseases.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-major-method-dengue-mosquito-community.html