RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 VECTOS: An Integrated System for Monitoring Risk Factors Associated With Urban Arbovirus Transmission JF Global Health: Science and Practice JO GLOB HEALTH SCI PRACT FD Johns Hopkins University- Global Health. Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs SP 128 OP 137 DO 10.9745/GHSP-D-18-00300 VO 7 IS 1 A1 Ocampo, Clara B. A1 Mina, Neila J. A1 Echavarria, Maria I. A1 Acuña, Miguel A1 Caballero, Alexi A1 Navarro, Andres A1 Aguirre, Andres A1 Criollo, Ingrid S. A1 Forero, Francia A1 Azuero, Oscar A1 Alexander, Neal D. YR 2019 UL http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/7/1/128.abstract AB To strengthen local surveillance of mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue and Zika, a multidisciplinary team developed an integrated web-based information system called VECTOS that captures geo-referenced entomological, epidemiological, and social data. The system has revealed previously unidentified features, such as specific neighborhoods, at persistently high risk.In Colombia, as in many Latin American countries, decision making and development of effective strategies for vector control of urban diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya is challenging for local health authorities. The heterogeneity of transmission in urban areas requires an efficient risk-based allocation of resources to control measures. With the objective of strengthening the capacity of local surveillance systems to identify variables that favor urban arboviral transmission, a multidisciplinary research team collaborated with the local Secretary of Health officials of 3 municipalities in Colombia (Giron, Yopal, and Buga), in the design of an integrated information system called VECTOS from 2015 to 2018. Information and communication technologies were used to develop 2 mobile applications to capture entomological and social information, as well as a web-based system for the collection, geo-referencing, and integrated information analysis using free geospatial software. This system facilitates the capture and analysis of epidemiological information from the Colombian national surveillance system (SIVIGILA), periodic entomological surveys—mosquito larvae and pupae in premises and peridomestic breeding sites—and surveys of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in a spatial and temporal context at the neighborhood level. The data collected in VECTOS are mapped and visualized in graphical reports. The system enables real-time monitoring of weekly epidemiological indicators, entomological indices, and social surveys. Additionally, the system enables risk stratification of neighborhoods, using selected epidemiological, entomological, demographic, and environmental variables. This article describes the VECTOS system and the lessons learned during its development and use. The joint analysis of epidemiological and entomological data within a geographic information system in VECTOS gives better insight to the routinely collected data and identifies the heterogeneity of risk factors between neighborhoods. We expect the system to continue to strengthen vector control programs in evidence-based decision making and in the design and enhanced follow-up of vector control strategies.