(DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) SURVEILLANCE METHOD IN BOTUCATU CITY, SÃO

Abstract. One of the main problems with dengue is the control of Aedes aegypti, its major vector. In Brazil, the current control program for Ae. aegypti and Aedes albopictus populations includes larval density surveys. An interesting alternative is the use of a distinct index, the Premise Condition Index (PCI). This tool relates conditions of property, such as houses and yards, and the degree of shade with the occurrence of Aedes sp. oviposition, and is calculated as scores from 3 to 9. The lowest score indicates property in good condition and an unfavorable breeding environment, while the highest score indicates property at high risk for infestation by Aedes sp. The present study is based on the application of the PCI in an urban area of Botucatu, Brazil to confirm its effectiveness. Dengue is the most important vector-borne viral disease in tropical countries, with at least 100 million cases reported each year.1 In Brazil, infection by the dengue virus has in-creased significantly in the last two decades after the reintro-duction of mosquito vector Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.). Sympatric presence of Ae. aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) al-bopictus (Skuse) generates a new problem for dengue epide-miology. Aedes albopictus was first observed in Brazil in 1986