Mosquito control practices and perceptions: An analysis of economic stakeholders during the Zika epidemic in Belize, Central America

Abstract

The tourist-based economy of Belize, a tropical hub for eco-tourism, is at high risk to be disproportionately impacted by established and emerging mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika. An online survey was used to probe economic stakeholders working in the Belize tourism industry about their mosquito control practices and perceptions. Responses demonstrated that the respondents have good working knowledge of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses. Most businesses surveyed engage in some means of mosquito control, either through larval source reduction or use of insecticides on the premises. Larvicide use was significantly correlated with a general willingness to use insecticides, as well as belief that treatment of water will reduce mosquito densities and disease transmission. A majority of the respondents agreed that they would be interested in buying a new larvicide to be used on the business premises if it were shown to be safe and effective. The safety of mosquito control products for humans, animals, plants, and the environment in general, followed by product effectiveness, are the most critical determinants of mosquito control purchasing decisions. A majority of respondents agreed that control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses is central to the success of their tourist-based industry. Respondents expressed significant concern that the Zika epidemic was over-sensationalized by the media, and that this negatively impacted their livelihoods. The respondents, many of whom are associated with eco/sustainable businesses, also voiced concerns that chemical pesticides could have a negative impact on human health and the environment and expressed a desire for balance between effective mosquito control and preservation of the rich biodiversity of Belize. This study provided a framework for further engagement activities in Belize and other Caribbean nations, uncovered both concerns and support for emerging mosquito control technologies, and revealed opportunities for further debate and educational outreach efforts.

Community knowledge, attitude and practices on mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viral diseases in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…Similar observations have been reported in Jamaica, where the population had poor knowledge of MBVD and poor prevention practices [49]. In contrary, in Belize more than 85% of the respondents con rmed that DENV, ZIKV, CHIKV, and YVFV are viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and that communities were regularly draining standing water or use insecticides to control mosquitoes [2]. Similar observations have been reported in Colombia, USA and China where the majority of the population were positively involved in source reduction preventive practices [12,50,51].…”

“…But embracing of protective behaviours is a multi-factorial procedure in uenced by socio-economic and cognitive factors [56]. In general, household expenditure on protective measures using chemical is high [2,3]. So, in limited resource settings it is better to emphasize on environment measures which are more accommodated, simple to implement and very effective too.…”

“…Mosquitoes transmit different pathogens that affect human and animal health and impact negatively on food security and socio-economic wellbeing [1][2][3]. In addition to malaria and lymphatic lariasis, mosquitoes are also vectors of several viral diseases.…”

Auditing Preparedness for Vector Control Field Studies

“…14 The role of field studies such as MRR in building knowledge for pilot releases is well established. When any genetically modified insect release is planned, additional, important factors come into play such as public perception of safety, 15,16 stakeholder engagement, [17][18][19] approvals from institutional ethics boards and biosafety committees, 20,21 and preparation of regulatory dossiers aimed at gaining permit approval. 22 Against a long background of FE studies aimed at understanding mosquito biology, managers are often unaccustomed to the level of additional paperwork and verification to demonstrate good practice or to justify moving forward with studies comprising a step-wise progression into field use.…”

Community knowledge, attitude and practices on mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viral diseases in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…Mosquitoes transmit different pathogens that affect human and animal health and impact negatively on food security and socio-economic wellbeing [1][2][3][4]. In addition to malaria and lymphatic filariasis, mosquitoes are vectors of several viruses.…”