Costa Rica: Agriculture & dengue
Mitigating Dengue fever, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing ecosystem services in Costa Rica.
Dengue fever is endemic in rural Costa Rica, where the tropical climate and agricultural practices, such as pineapple plantations, create ideal habitats for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, leading to rising dengue cases. Pineapple cultivation also fosters breeding habitats for the invasive Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), potentially increasing transmission. Current vector control strategies often overlook these changing vector dynamics and the impact of agricultural practices on dengue risk.
Collaborating with the University of Costa Rica, the Ministry of Health, the Golfito Initiative (LAPA), and the Natural Capital Project, DECO analyzes vector data across various land-use types. This information will be used to develop dengue risk maps and an interactive dashboard for the Ministry of Health, linking dengue risk to land-use patterns. Understanding these relationships can help reduce disease transmission and encourage sustainable land use.
DECO's approach combines vector sampling, genomics, remote sensing, drone footage, and collaboration with local farmers to investigate transmission patterns. By focusing on sustainable agroecology, enhancing ecosystem services, and mitigating climate impacts, DECO aims to develop practical, cost-effective solutions. This initiative will build lasting partnerships and provide a model for sustainable agriculture and disease prevention, helping rural communities in Costa Rica maintain these practices for a healthier future.
Team
Erin Mordecai, Rodolfo Dirzo, Caroline Glidden, Emma Krasovich Southworth, Adriana Troyo, Diana Rojas, Isaac Vargas
Partners
