Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices with Respect to the Prevention of Dengue in a Mid-Pacific Coastal Village of Costa Rica

Dengue fever is the most deadly arthropod borne virus, infecting over 300 million people in tropical and subtropical regions. Community involvement is critically important to successfully reduce infection rates. From March - May, 2013, I interviewed 320 citizens in Quebrada Ganado, Costa Rica to evaluate their understanding of dengue fever and its transmission. 98% knew basic information about the virus, but only 45% knew that the dengue mosquito prefers to reproduce in clean water. Significant factors included education level and prioritization of dengue prevention. The Costa Rican Ministry of Health is currently using these findings to improve their education programs