Redefining dengue surveillance: Revolutionizing dengue control with efficient adult mosquito traps

Dengue continues to escalate as a major global health challenge, driven by rapid urbanization, ecological change, and the expanding distribution of Aedes aegypti . Conventional surveillance systems, dominated by larval indices, provide limited predictive value and fail to capture the real-time transmission risk posed by infective adult females the sole vectors of dengue virus. This review re-examines dengue surveillance by emphasizing the epidemiological and operational significance of adult mosquito monitoring. Existing traps such as BG-Sentinel, CDC light and gravid traps, and gravid Aedes -specific devices are critically evaluated for their sensitivity, adaptability, and diagnostic utility. Metrics like threshold vector density and minimum infection rate (MIR) are identified as reliable indicators of transmission potential. The paper advocates for the development and large-scale deployment of next-generation adult traps that combine dual-attractant systems, power-free operation, and compatibility with molecular and digital diagnostic tools. Such innovations can transform dengue surveillance from reactive control to predictive, evidence-based intervention, offering a pathway toward sustainable, anticipatory vector management.