Quantifying the Epidemiological Impact of Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying on Aedes-borne Diseases

Contemporaneous urban vector control (truck-mounted ultra-low volume spraying, thermal fogging, larviciding) has failed to contain dengue epidemics and to prevent the global range expansion of Aedes-borne diseases (ABDs: dengue, chikungunya, zika). Part of the challenge in sustaining effective ABD control emerges from the remarkable paucity of evidence about the epidemiological impact of any vector control method. Furthermore, the classic deployment of interventions in response to clinical cases fails to account for the important contribution of out-of-home human mobility and asymptomatic infections. The trial will be conducted in the city of Merida extending ongoing longitudinal cohort to follow a population of 4,600 children 2-15 years old randomly allocated to receive either TIRS treatment or not. If efficacious, TIRS will drive a paradigm shift in Aedes control by: considering Ae. aegypti behavior to rationally guide insecticide applications; the change to preventive control (pre- ABD transmission season rather than in response to symptomatic cases); the use of third generation insecticides to which Ae. Aegypti is susceptible.