The entomological threshold for dengue vector control is a Breteau Index (BI) of ≥ 5. A Breteau Index of 18 is found in a community. What does this indicate?

• A 18% of houses are infested with Aedes aegypti
• B 18 positive houses per 100 inspected — moderate risk
• C 18 positive containers per 100 houses inspected — significant dengue transmission risk ✓
• D The index measures Anopheles larvae only in 18 per 1000 houses

Explanation

The Breteau Index (BI) = Number of positive containers per 100 houses inspected. It is the most informative Aedes index for dengue risk assessment as it accounts for container density. A BI ≥ 5 signals epidemiologically significant dengue transmission risk. A BI of 18 indicates substantial vector density (18 positive water containers per 100 houses), indicating a high risk of dengue transmission requiring urgent source reduction. Other Aedes indices: House Index (HI) = % houses positive; Container Index (CI) = % positive containers. BI is preferred for programmatic decisions.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.