Control in Singapore+ By

Ovitraps are used extensively in Singapore as a tool to monitor, detect and control Aedes populations. They give an approximate gauge of the adult population in an area and act as an early warning signal to pre-empt any impending dengue outbreaks. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was established in 1998 to develop a real-time Aedes mosquito control and monitoring system for spatial epidemiological study. The GIS monitors the network of 2000 ovitraps placed island-wide to better understand vector trends and disease patterns. Analysis is done on the ovitrap breeding data collected weekly to identify hotspots and risk areas where there is a danger of high Aedes aegypti infestation. Three ovitrap models had been developed to analyse the ovitrap breeding data collected. The analysis results are used to plan vector surveillance and control operations. This paper reports the experience of this control and monitoring methodology in Singapore