Infestation measured by Aedes aegypti larval surveys as an indication of future dengue epidemics: an evaluation for Brazil.

Background: Aedes aegypti rapid larval surveys are mandatory in Brazil. Here, we retrospectively examined whether the house index estimated by larval surveys served as a useful tool in anticipating epidemics within Brazilian municipalities from 2009-2015.

Methods: We used correlation indices and classification analysis stratified by year, region, population size and time after the national larval survey.