Surveillance of Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti (L.) Mosquitoes in Udaipur District of South Rajasthan (India) Kumar Ashok*1, Prasad Arti2 1Research Associate, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan313001, India E-mail: ashokdagur198987@gmail.com 2Prof. & Head, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan313001, India E-mail: artimlsu@yahoo.co.in *Corresponding author: Ashok Kumar Research Associate, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan313001, India E-mail: ashokdagur198987@gmail.com
Abstract Mosquito borne diseases are the most considerable public health risks globally. Dengue fever infection is one of the most important arboviral diseases in humans which are transmitted by Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes. These Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes are highly persistent and can survive almost any climatic conditions. Therefore, an entomological survey was undertaken during 2015 to 2018 to evaluate the entomo-epidemiological risk of Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquito borne diseases (VBD) in Udaipur district of South Rajasthan to diminish potential global health risks and prevent introduction of new vector borne diseases (VBD). A cross-sectional immature stage survey was done indoors in Region-I (Urban areas), Region-II (Periurban areas) and Region-Ill (Rural areas) of Udaipur in 3645 houses. Mosquito larval sampling was conducted using sieves, pipette, dipper or depending on container types. Larvae were recognized morphologically and larval indices were also considered. Repeated surveys were undertaken in Urban, Periurban and Rural areas of Udaipur. A total of 8733 containers were inspected, and of these 1284 were positive for Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquito larvae. Coolers, Plastic Drums, Tires, Flower Pots, Mud Pots and Discarded Buckets were most favourable for breeding. All the entomological indices were found to be above the critical level for all selected areas, prescribed by WHO, (2003; 2011). The larval indices i.e. House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), Breteau Index (BI) and Pupae Index (PI) varied from 10.20% to 11.76%, from 12.84% to 16.65%, from 31.85 to 41.89 and from 32.42 to 45.02 respectively. The Periurban areas were found to be more prone to mosquito breeding compare to other both areas (Urban and Rural). To control these Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes, a careful and regular invigilation of the study areas is recommended. Top Keywords Dengue, Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti (L.), Periurban areas, Containers, House Index (HI), Container Index (CI), Breteau Index (BI), Pupae Index (PI). Top |