A cluster-randomised trial in 20 community clusters (~2,000 households each) in Cúcuta, Colombia evaluated a dual-action insecticidal protective coating (microencapsulated pyriproxyfen + alpha-cypermethrin) applied to indoor ground-level domestic water containers vs. no study treatment, with 12 months of follow-up (2021–2022).
Dengue incidence was 337.1 vs. 528.5 cases per 100,000 population in intervention vs. control clusters; the incidence rate ratio was 0.55 (95% CI 0.45–0.68; p<0.0001), representing a ~45% reduction. Aedes house index fell by 31.7 percentage points (p<0.0001). Estimated cost: US$2 per household per year.
- Dengue incidence data relied on passive national surveillance (SIVIGILA), which may undercount cases. - The trial was conducted in a single urban area (Cúcuta), limiting generalisability to other settings. - No blinding of clusters was possible, and the control group received no placebo intervention, introducing potential performance bias.
A single annual application of this dual-action insecticidal coating to household water containers cut dengue incidence by ~45% at just US$2 per household — clinicians and public health teams in dengue-endemic urban areas should consider advocating for this low-cost, community-delivered intervention as a complement to standard vector control.
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