Distribution of Dengue Vectors during Pre- and Post-Monsoon Seasons in three districts of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Entomological surveys were carried out on the dengue vectors ( Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus ) during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons in 2013 from different breeding places in and around the residential areas of three Punjab districts, namely Lahore (217 m), Sheikhupura (214 m) and Faisalabad (184 m) located at different altitudes. Four vector indices (house index, container index, breteau index and premises index) were used to assess the breeding potential of vectors in each district. The house index ranged from 12 to 18 % during pre-monsoon while it was from 14 and 29% due to the post-monsoon season. The container index ranged from 11.40 to 13.17% for the pre-monsoon and from 11.22 to 30.39% for the post-monsoon. Breteau index varied from 11 and 69% during both seasons and the premises index ranged from 24.40 to 44.32%. Entomological survey also revealed that in both seasons, the highest breeding potentiality was recorded in Lahore followed by Sheikhupura and Faisalabad. The high vector indices of Aedes in these areas warrant intensification of vector surveillance activities along with habitat reduction and health education.