'Surveillance and Control of Dengue Vectors in the United States and Territories' offers a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and strategies involved in managing dengue vectors, particularly Aedes mosquitoes, in the US and its territories. With over 13 million dengue cases reported in the Americas in 2024 alone, this timely book synthesizes critical information on vector species, transmission cycles, and effective surveillance and control methods. Dr. Roberto Barrera, a seasoned expert in mosquito ecology and Vector-Borne diseases, presents evidence-based recommendations for public health officials, researchers, and community stakeholders. This essential guide not only addresses the complexities of dengue transmission but also emphasizes the importance of integrated vector management and community engagement in preventing outbreaks. Whether you are a public health professional, a student, or simply interested in vector ecology, this book serves as a vital resource for understanding and combating dengue in an ever-evolving landscape.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:
Undergraduate and graduate public-health, entomology, epidemiology, environmental health, and tropical medicine students.
Field and program staff in vector-control units and health departments.
Clinical/public-health trainees rotating through communicable-disease services.
Team learning
Class
Self-paced learning
Technical Requirements:
Internet access
Web browser
PDF
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Users will be able to:
Describe the life cycle of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus—eggs, larvae, pupae, adults—and distinguish key traits (anthropophily, indoor/outdoor resting/biting, egg desiccation resilience) that drive urban transmission.
Explain how housing, water storage, waste systems, climate/seasonality (e.g., ENSO), and vegetation influence vector abundance and human–vector contact.
Differentiate the roles of Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and (where relevant) Ae. polynesiensis in transmission potential across U.S. states and territories
Comfort with data literacy (reading simple rates/graphs; basic mapping concepts).
For applied labs/field practicums: ability to follow safety SOPs and use standard field forms/equipment (traps, larval sampling kits), as described in surveillance and control chapters
Environmental considerations, disease spread via insects, and other pests would prove useful
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Concepts are developed, and tables are provided to demonstrate the key information in this text.
The content is complete and appropriate for the target audience and the authors' goal of drawing others into the field.
Strong emphasis on practical field methods (e.g., trap usage, container surveys, outbreak action plans). This makes the material directly transferable to real-world public health practice.
The inclusion of figures, ecological models, and risk maps provides learners with visual frameworks to reinforce understanding of complex dynamics.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Teaching learning goals are easy to discern, and the potential for student learning is high.
The material's robustness promotes understanding.
Directly supports public health, epidemiology, entomology, and environmental health learning objectives by combining theory with operational practice.
Freely available in multiple formats (PDF, HTML, EPUB) with no licensing barriers, supporting equity in access and broad dissemination.
Maps, diagrams, and life-cycle figures illustrate abstract concepts and help students build mental models of transmission and control.
Concerns:
The text does not consistently state chapter-level learning goals, reflection prompts, or self-assessment activities.
Instructors will need to design supplementary objectives, quizzes, or assignments to measure learning outcomes.
Although outbreak examples are provided, the book does not include structured case studies or guided problem-solving scenarios that promote higher-order application and decision-making.
While rich in scientific content, the book assumes moderate prior knowledge in entomology and epidemiology. Novice learners without this background may find some sections challenging without additional guidance.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The content is easy to use, and multiple formats for obtaining such are provided.
Available as PDF, HTML, and EPUB, allowing use across desktops, tablets, e-readers, and mobile devices without compatibility issues.
Text is selectable.
Hierarchical headings are set for screen readers.
Images have alt text.
External references, DOI resources, and image sources are linked in ordinary language.
Creative Commons:
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