Occurrence and Distribution of Dengue-Causing Mosquito in Iligan City and Its Implication to Environmental Management

Abstract

The occurrence and geographic distribution of Aedesaegypti mosquito was assessed in different barangays of Iligan City. This mosquito species is known to be the carrier of dengue virus that cause deaths among the constituents of Iligan City. Standard collection and identification of mosquito larval specimens were done at Iligan City Sanitary Inspector’s laboratory. Results showed that majority of dengue-carrying mosquito species, Aedesaegypti were collected and identified apart from Aedesalbopictus, known as a secondary dengue virus carrier. Overall, larval specimens ofA.aegypti had the highest number with a total of 240 individuals per sample collected in the six sampling barangays, whereas A.albopictus had a total of 90 individuals. This number of individuals of dengue-carrying species of mosquitoes might put the barangays of Iligan City at potential risks of dengue occurrence and eventual adverse impacts to the constituents. Hence, it is imperative to increase the level of awareness among the constituents and do some preventive measures such as regular clean up and other concerted efforts of the health authorities, government, private sector, academe and other sectors.