Elimination of Malaria Risk through Integrated Combination Strategies in a Tropical Military Training Island

Abstract

On the military training facility of Tekong Island, Singapore, a comprehensive vector-borne disease control program was started in end-2006 to reduce mosquito populations and negate the need for anti-malaria chemoprophylaxis. The program was based on 1) preventing importation of malaria through screening of visitors, 2) preventing human-to-mosquito transmission through early case detection and mosquito control, 3) preventing mosquito-to-human transmission through personal protection, and 4) contingency plans. Systematic environmental works were performed to reduce breeding sites, and insecticide use targeted both adult mosquitoes and larvae. Mosquito populations declined from 103 mosquitoes per sampling site in January 2007 to 6 per site by March 2007 (P < 0.001). The proportion of positive ovitraps declined from 93% in January 2007–2% in March 2007 (P < 0.001). There were no malaria cases on the island despite chemoprophylaxis termination, showing that comprehensive combination vector-control strategies were effective in reducing the risk of malaria.

Salinity-tolerant larvae of mosquito vectors in the tropical coast of Jaffna, Sri Lanka and the effect of salinity on the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis to Aedes aegypti larvae

“…thuringiensis for malaria and dengue vector control with varying degrees of success [27-30]. However, the effect of salinity on the activity of B .…”

Entomological Investigation and Control of a Chikungunya Cluster in Singapore

“…Clearing of unkempt vegetations and general housekeeping aimed to minimize further breeding of vectors. A similar integrated approach has previously been reported to be successful for malaria control in forested areas in Singapore (Lee et al 2010). Although it was not feasible to quantify the contribution of each component to the reduction in Aedes population, it is unlikely that the weekly use of four BGS traps had any trap-out effect.…”

Behavioral responses of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus , and Anopheles minimus against various synthetic and natural repellent compounds

“…Insecticide resistance phenotypes in many important vector species will continue to pressure the scientific community to develop new and improved vector control strategies. Combination approaches are a good way to ensure the beneficial qualities of the various tools implemented (Gratz , Yap et al , Lee et al ). Essential oils are one such area for exploration.…”