Cemeteries as sources of Aedes aegypti and other mosquito species in southeastern Puerto Rico.

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the presence and abundance of mosquito species in containers found in different types of cemeteries in Puerto Rico to assess their importance and make control recommendations.MethodsWe conducted surveys of containers with water in 16 cemeteries in southeastern Puerto Rico to detect the presence of larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti and other mosquitoes; to identify the most common and productive containers and to study their variation in relation to the type of cemetery.ResultsThe most common containers with water were flowerpots, followed in abundance by a variety of discarded containers and open tombs. We found a positive relationship between density of containers with water and rainfall. There was a rich community of mosquito species developing in containers of the inspected cemeteries: nine mosquito species belonging to four genera with Ae. aegypti and Ae. mediovittatus being the most frequent and abundant. We sampled 13 cement‐type cemeteries, 2 mixed and only 1 lawn cemetery, consequently, we could not draw any conclusion regarding container productivity and cemetery type.ConclusionsSurveyed cemeteries were important sources of Ae. aegypti and other mosquitoes in flowerpots, discarded containers and open tombs. We recommend conducting further studies to establish how frequently inspections should occur; and mosquito control by emptying aquatic habitats and larviciding to reduce mosquito productivity and protect workers and visitors from mosquito bites and possible transmission of arboviruses.