Abstract
Currently, almost half of the human population is at risk of acquiring dengue. Other emerging
pathogens affecting human populations transmitted by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti are
chikungunya and Zika viruses. People who live in poor areas are more susceptible to be
infected by these diseases. The lack of selective garbage collection and inadequate water
storage are important factors in the dynamics of vector-borne transmission. This study took
place in Estrutural City, the poorest city in Brasilia, Brazil, which hosted the largest open dump in America Latina and second largest in the world for almost 60 years; many of the inhabitants
are waste pickers, who live and survive by gathering and selling recyclable waste. A qualitative
study used semi-structured interviews with 100 participants to understand the experiences
regarding community knowledge on mosquitos, contributing and prevention measures, and
water access. Previous research on waste pickers has focused on vector-borne diseases, their
exposure, and mitigation strategies. This research uncovered novel experiences that
confirmed the plethora of knowledge of this population regarding exposure to vectors,
specifically dengue. Participants mentioned contributing factors to the disease, while
identifying mosquitos that carry dengue, and how often and how specifically it was to have
dengue. They also mention preventative techniques that they currently take and strategies to
improve upon these. These findings and actions will provide new control alternatives for
arboviruses in risk areas and contribute to continued public health policies and basic services
to be provided to the vulnerable communities.