Spatial mapping on the vector indices of Aedes aegypti in a rural area of Bangalore, India

Abstract

Background Vector indices such as the house index HI breteau index BI and container index CI are widely used to infer the density of Aedes aegypti in surveillance programs.Objective To assess the vector indices and spatial map of the positive households using a Quantum Geographic Information System QGIS.Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of a medical college near Bangalore. A total of 320 households were sampled and surveyed through household visits for vector indices. Smartphones with Epicollect5 application and Global Positioning Systemand GPS were used for data collection. QGIS was used for spatial mapping of the households.Results From 320 households surveyed 507 water collection sites were examined for Aedes aegypti larvae. The most common site of Aedes breeding identified was 53 73.61 in plastic containers. The CI was 14.20 HI was 17.81 and BI was 22.5.Conclusion Vector indices from the study area showed the risk potential to be high for the spread of dengue and chikungunya. Spatial mapping describes the hotspots of Aedes breeding in households and neighborhoods. There is a requirement for strengthening the integrated vector control measures.