MONITORING AND CONTROL OF AEDES AEGYPTI: IMPLEMENTATION OF OVITRAPS IN AN EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT

Resumo

Aedes aegypti, a primary vector of arboviral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, has been expanding globally, with proliferation intensified by environmental factors and urbanization, highlighting the need for robust monitoring and control strategies. This study, conducted between April and June 2024, employed an innovative approach during the Supervised Internship in Non-Formal Education, focusing on the practical application of dengue monitoring techniques. Ovitraps, made from recyclable materials, were installed at two sampling points in a school located in Cerro Largo, RS, Brazil, with weekly assessments. The ovitraps consisted of containers with eucatex strips, water, and a 0.04% yeast solution, used to attract female Aedes aegypti. The educational content was structured in three stages: I) field practical activity, where students identified and selected strategic points for ovitrap installation, promoting the observation of ecological relationships in situ; II) dialogued expository lecture aimed at deepening students' interest in Public Health, Environmental Education, and Zoology; III) microscopic analysis of collected eggs, allowing the investigation of the physical and biological processes involved. Data analysis revealed an increase in the number of eggs over time, indicating the effectiveness of ovitraps as a monitoring tool. The study underscores the importance of the continuous implementation of ovitraps and the crucial role of environmental education in community awareness.