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Vector Control And Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets

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The current interventions in place are vector control and insecticide treated mosquito nets. Vector control involves the reduction of vector habitats through the use of chemical larvicides and adulticides and of biological control agents. This method is hindered however, by a weak program capacity, as well as by the absence of well-defined indicators and program targets along with a poor understanding of efficacy and cost-effectiveness of control measures particularly in terms of reducing transmission (World Health Organization). Not only this, but pesticides can also be extremely harmful to the environment and can end up in the water supply due to runoff, leading to a further potential harm for humans and animals. An important factor in vector control is that all insecticides run the risk of mosquitos becoming resistant. The Malaria Journal states that, mosquito nets often go unused due to the heat associated with sleeping under them and perceived mosquito density. Nets are usually treated with insecticide and mosquitos are beginning to become resistant to the particular pesticide used. Nets, though efficient if used, must be replaced every three to four years. There are other interventions in place, such as public awareness campaigns. As I have stated there are numerous problems associated with the current interventions. They are not enough to curb the spread of Dengue, thus funding for vaccine research is the most effective possible intervention. Vaccine research

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