LeO-Trap: Application of the lethal ovitrap for controlling vectors of dengue fever in Chiang Mai province, Thailand

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in Thailand, including dengue hemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, and zika viruses, are major health concerns. To address this, the LeO-Trap is an ovitrap with the potential for controlling disease vectors. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of the LeO-Trap in a high-risk urban area in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. The study area chosen, due to the number of dengue cases, encompassed two villages in Mae Rim district, each with over 100 homes. From May to July 2021, four LeO-Traps were deployed in every home - two indoors and two outdoors. Ovitrap Index (OI) and House Index (HI) were calculated for mosquito eggs over two months. Statistical analysis included a t-test for significance, marked at p < 0.05. In the urban area of Mae Rim, the OI of Village 1 (Moo.2) decreased from 70.54% to 44.49%, and HI from 89.15% to 58.13%. The OI of Village 2 (Moo.10) dropped from 80.10% to 70.31%, while the HI went down from 94.17% to 78.31%. Interestingly, the monthly egg counts within each village showed significant differences (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the LeO-Trap is promising as an innovative ovitrap for monitoring and controlling Aedes mosquitoes. Its effectiveness offers a reliable approach that benefits human health and the environment. This research sheds light on its potential to address the challenge of controlling mosquito-borne diseases in the Mueang Chiang Mai district in Thailand.