Arbovirus Prevalence and Vulnerability Assessment Through Entomological Surveillance in Ponce, Puerto Rico

The <i>Aedes aegypti</i> mosquito is a vector for several arboviral diseases, posing a significant threat to human populations and exacerbating health disparities. Puerto Rico is a subtropical region where <i>A. aegypti</i> mosquitoes circulate all the year promoting the transmission of arboviruses. A cross-sectional study in the municipality of Ponce, Puerto Rico was conducted to determine the prevalence of arbovirus in <i>A. aegypti</i> mosquitoes and community members, and the impact that sociodemographic and environmental factors on the presence of arbovirus in the community. Our results indicate that more than a third of the population has long-term antibodies (IgG) against chikungunya and the Mayaro virus (56% and 17%, respectively). In addition, more than two-thirds of the population have long-term antibodies (IgG) against dengue and Zika virus (96.0% and 77%, respectively). Dengue virus 1 (DENV-1) was only detected in mosquitoes from urban areas. The practice of storing water in containers uncovered and living near a river increased the odds of having arbovirus in the community (OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.8-10.6) (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.2-3.7). Furthermore, lower income was a social determinant associated with being at risk of arboviral disease in the communities (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.4-8.5) (<i>p</i> < 0.05). It is recommended that public health activities be implemented, including education workshops on prevention and health promotion and health services such as vector control, to prevent arboviral diseases in communities.