title: Expanding Integrated Vector Management to promote healthy environments.
abstract: Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies are intended to protect communities from pathogen transmission by arthropods. These strategies target multiple vectors and different ecological and socioeconomic settings, but the aggregate benefits of IVM are limited by the narrow focus of its approach; IVM strategies aim only to control arthropod vectors. We argue that IVM should encompass environmental modifications at early stages - for instance, infrastructural development and sanitation services - to regulate not only vectors but also nuisance biting arthropods. An additional focus on nuisance biting arthropods will improve public health and quality of life and minimize social-disparity issues fostered by pests. Optimally, IVM could incorporate environmental awareness and promotion of control methods proactively to reduce threats of serious pest situations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Karina M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lizzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA. Electronic address: w.qualls@med.miami.edu.
authors.forename: Whitney A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Qualls
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Scott C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Beier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001179:Arthropod Vectors / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D014943:Global Health; D006078:Government Programs; D006801:Humans; D010571:Pest Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends*
keywords: IVM; biting density; pest management; social disparities; vector control