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Poster Session

Poster Session

Poster Session

P01 - Facing a Dengue Epidemic Through Targeted Vector Control Training on the island of Puerto Rico

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM PDT
Location: Hall A
Abstract: The 2024 dengue outbreak in Puerto Rico affected thousands and revealed critical gaps in municipal vector control capabilities, including inconsistent equipment use, lack of standardized procedures, and limited technical training. In response, the Tropical Island Training and Evaluation Center (TITEC) implemented De Cara a la Epidemia del Dengue, a comprehensive training initiative designed to equip municipal teams to conduct vector control operations safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulations

From July 2024 to September 2025, 321 municipal vector control personnel participated in sessions covering Aedes aegypti biology and ecology, yard inspection techniques, identification and elimination of breeding sites, effective communication and field health and safety. Participants completed pre- and post-tests and engaged in hands-on field exercises to assess their ability to inspect properties and apply knowledge in real-world settings. This combined theoretical and practical approach strengthened participant skills and improved municipal vector control operations.

Paired sample t-test (n=237) showed a statistically significant improvement in test performance (p< 0.001), with an average increase of 28% between the pre- and post-test. Field exercises improved participants’ ability to conduct source reduction inspections, and survey responses showed strong program impact: 89% agreed or strongly agreed they would apply the training in their work, and 94% rated teaching strategies, including presentations, materials, and visual aids, as adequate.

These findings show the effectiveness of TITEC’s practical, needs-based training model and underscore the importance of continuous, standardized education in strengthening Puerto Rico’s vector control capacity. The program provides a replicable framework for preparing municipal teams to respond effectively to dengue and other mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.