Seasonal Distribution and Container Preference Ratio of the Dengue Fever Vector (Aedes aegypti, Diptera: Culicidae) in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Abstract

Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) are known vectors of dengue, chikungunya, and other pathogens; however, their ecology and role in virus transmission has not been well studied in Pakistan. Here, we report on an intensive survey of potential breeding sites of Ae. aegypti in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan. The study continued for 11 mo and was divided into three seasons: January to June (pre-monsoon), July to September (monsoon), and October-November (post-monsoon). Larval mosquitoes were collected from all wet containers present in and around the houses. Altogether 5,570,418, 2,930,508, and 1,507,111 water-filled containers were examined during each season, of which 2,703, 8,843, and 3,439 were found positive for Ae. aegypti larvae or pupae, yielding Breteau indices of 0.46, 2.92, and 1.99%, respectively. Among 14 container types examined, the breeding preference ratio during all seasons was highest for roof-top water tanks and room evaporative coolers, followed by discarded tires and urban trash. The study concluded that increased urbanization, insufficient water supply and inefficient removal of urban trash resulted in increased numbers of nonbiodegradable containers around human dwellings, thereby creating ideal breeding habitats for Ae. aegypti. Measures such as integrated vector management, minimization of the breeding potential of Ae. aegypti by water management, proper disposal of discarded tires and urban trash, and health education were recommended for control of Ae. aegypti.