Short report: First whole-genome evidence of dengue virus in field-caught mosquitoes from southern Brazil

Dengue virus (DENV) is a major global health threat whose expansion into temperate regions has been facilitated by climate change and vector adaptation. Despite recurrent epidemics in Brazil, genomic surveillance in mosquitoes remains limited, particularly in the South. To address this gap, we implemented a novel urban mosquito-trapping strategy optimized for low-density and peri-domestic environments in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Between April and July 2023, were collected 4,768 Aedes aegypti samples across 16 neighborhoods, generating 2,022 pools. Among these, 41 pools tested positive for DENV, of which 33 pools exhibited RNA integrity suitable for sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing revealed 33 DENV-positive pools, including 29 DENV-1 (Genotype V) and 4 DENV-2 (Genotype II). Two pools contained both serotypes, highlighting the risk of sequential infections in humans. Phylogenetic analyses indicated sustained local transmission alongside multiple introductions, while recurrent mutations, particularly in NS1, NS2A, and NS5, suggested ongoing viral adaptation. These findings represent the first vector-based genomic data for dengue in southern Brazil and demonstrate the utility of mosquito genomics for early outbreak detection, serotype monitoring, and preparedness in emerging transmission zones.