The role of electronic media in entomological surveillance on Chagas vectors disease (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Electronic media can play an important role in entomological surveillance of Chagas disease. The aim of this work is describe the experience of implement a community entomological surveillance system based in the use of electronic media in a rural area of la Yuca, Arauca – Colombia. In 2009 were detected the presence of insects (Reduviidae) resting indoor houses of workers of oil industry in Arauca. There was implemented a community entomological surveillance system based on the use of electronic media. Community was sensitize about the role of this insects in the transmission of Chagas disease, the community was trained to recognize the vectors and the correct way to  collect them,  the community designated the person who were responsible to do the reports of presence of insects first by e-mail and an then send the insect to the health service. We identified 11 insects of three species: Rhodnius prolixus,  Eratyrus mucronatus and a  Triatoma maculata. And established the intrusion index of:18% Rhodnius prolixus, 18% Eratyrus mucronatus and 9% Triatoma maculata and an infection index of 50%, 100% and 0% to each one of the species. The use of electronic media allow a dynamic communication channel and an active surveillance of the insects presence in the community houses. The use of electronic media is a powerful tool in entomological surveillance of vectors in rural remote area