Quantifying individual variability in exposure risk to mosquito bites in the Cascades region, Burkina Faso

Abstract Background The Cascades region, Burkina Faso, has a high malaria burden despite reported insecticide-treated mosquito net (ITN) use. Human and vector activities outside the hours when indoor interventions offer direct protection from infectious bites potentially increase exposure risk to malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes. This work investigated degree of variation in human behaviour both between individuals through time (season) quantify how it impacts vectors. Methods Patterns overnight activity (18:00–06:00) spent using an ITN across 7 successive nights two rural communities, Niakore (N = 24 participants) Toma (71 participants), were observed dry rainy seasons, 2017 2018. Hourly landing catches conducted specifically, region generally, 2016 2017. Data statistically combined estimate seasonal outdoors received per person night (bpppn). Results Substantial variability outdoor was detected within communities seasons. In October, densities are highest, individual’s ranged 2.2 52.2 (bpppn) same week with variable dependent on indoors. Comparably higher April July but, due lower estimated, bpppn 0.2–4.7 0.5–32.0, respectively. Males people aged over 21 years predicted receive more sentinel villages. Conclusion presents one first clear descriptions heterogeneity year. Appreciation sociodemographic, cultural entomological will help refine approaches control.