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

SUBMITTER: Duman-Scheel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6053204 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature