In São José dos Campos, Brazil, local health agents are implementing an innovative strategy to combat the dengue mosquito by using traps known as ovitraps. These traps are placed in homes located in predetermined areas identified by the local health authority as high-risk for dengue outbreaks. By mapping the presence of Aedes aegypti, the city aims to better allocate resources and take preventive measures against the disease.

The ovitraps consist of simple black containers filled with a mixture of water and brewer's yeast, designed to attract the mosquito. Inside the trap, a wooden stick serves as a surface for the female mosquito to lay its eggs. After a designated exposure period, the traps are collected and the contents analyzed by health teams to determine the extent of the infestation in various neighborhoods. This proactive approach is essential for understanding the spread of dengue and preventing potential outbreaks.

Health officials assure the local population that the method is safe and poses no risk to homes. The overarching goal of this initiative is to not only monitor the mosquito's presence but also to develop targeted strategies for eradicating breeding sites across the city. Given the increasing cases of dengue in Brazil, such public health measures are critical for safeguarding community health and well-being.