Mosquito Breeding Sites Research Articles

Dengue Infection, its Diagnosis, Treatment, and Vaccination: A Narrative Review

Dengue infection is a significant public health issue globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can range from mild fever to severe forms, such as hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome, with high mortality rates. Management involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications, while early detection and prompt management of symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of severe forms of the disease. A dengue vaccine has been developed, with several vaccine candidates undergoing clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy and safety. The vaccine has shown promising results in preventing dengue infection and reducing the severity of the disease. Preventing dengue infection requires a multifaceted approach, including reducing mosquito breeding sites, controlling mosquito populations, and educating the public on prevention measures. Vector control measures, such as the use of insecticides and larvicides, have been effective in reducing mosquito populations, but their sustainability remains a challenge. The development of an effective and safe dengue vaccine is urgently needed, with ongoing research efforts aiming to develop a vaccine that is safe and effective for all age groups and provides broad protection against all serotypes. Limitations of the study include the potential lack of consideration of regional variations in dengue epidemiology and control measures, and the absence of a detailed analysis of the economic and social impacts of dengue infection on affected populations. In conclusion, continued investment in research and development of effective prevention and treatment strategies is crucial to combat this disease and reduce its impact on affected populations.

Re-emergence of Rift Valley fever: an update and preventive measures.

Re-emergence of Rift Valley fever: an update and preventive measures.

Environmental Management and Sanitation as a Malaria Vector Control Strategy: A Qualitative Cross-Sectional Study Among Stakeholders, Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

For centuries malaria infection remains a public health burden globally as well as in the Sunyani Municipality. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to assess the prospects of environmental management and sanitation (EMS) as a malaria vector control strategy among key stakeholders involved in the prevention and control of malaria in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. We used an exploratory qualitative study and a designed focus group discussion (FGD) guide (with specific research questions) to solicit opinions and/or views among Malaria Control Focal Persons, Environmental Health Officers (Health Inspectors), and Honourable Assembly Members. Data were collected between December 2019 and February 2020. The responses were analyzed according to the specific research questions. Findings from this study shows that high government support and/or political will by investing in environmental sanitation infrastructure, creating the enabling environment for strict enforcement of environmental sanitation bye-laws by Environmental Health Officers/Health Inspectors, effective and efficient collaboration among key stakeholders and organization of communal labor activities is likely to help reduce the majority of the mosquito breeding sites. The prospects of environmental management and sanitation (EMS) as a vector control strategy, look promisingly very high, pertinent, and workable and a likelihood game changer of winning the fight against malaria due to the residual transmission that is happening outdoors. However, EMS can be employed as a supplementary method to the current core vector control methods if the following conditions and bottlenecks are addressed and in place: (a) Effective collaboration among key stakeholders at all levels; (b) Adequate allocation of funds to the Environmental Health and Sanitation Department; (c) Enactment of robust educational campaigns across all educational levels and via different media; (d) Recognition, empowerment, and adequate resourcing of Environmental Health Officers; (e) Adherence to the building regulations to prevent encroachment of natural wetlands; (f) Revision of fees/fines and prosecution of sanitary offenders; (g) Enactment of an Environmental Sanitation Day (ESD), and establishment of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Fund (EHSF).

Data prediction system in malaria control based on physio-chemical parameters of anopheles breeding sites


 Malaria is a public health problem in Senegal. As a result, a real program focused on prevention and treatment has been put in place to fight it. Despite the efforts made, the prevalence rate of malaria is still worrying. To have a prediction system that, once certain physicochemical information, will inform if we can or not attend to the development of anopheles larvae. Our work consisted of collecting data on mosquito breeding sites, processing, and analyzing them in order to predict the physicochemical conditions for the development of Anopheles larvae. Larval control is an alternative to reduce the prevalence rate of malaria. We retain logistic regression as an algorithm and water electrical conductivity, water turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen as determinant parameters. The learning and prediction system set up on the basis of the determining parameters and logistic regression worked. The predictions will be improved by further training our system with field data.

Continuous-time predator-prey-like systems used to investigate the question: Can human consciousness help eliminate temporary mosquito breeding sites from around human habitats?

Mosquito breeding-sites are an essential resource for mosquito growth, yet an understanding of their existence and creation, in the case of temporary habitats, have not been mathematically studied. Hence, we use a system of two first order nonlinear ordinary differential equations to model and theoretically investigate the dynamics of temporary mosquito breeding-sites formation in a uniform environment. The model captures the dynamic interplay between community action, climatic factors and availability of temporary mosquito breeding-sites by interpreting the possible pathways and environmental processes leading to temporary breeding-sites formation. Model’s analysis show it is possible to eliminate temporary breeding-sites from around a close vicinity to human habitats by increasing the level of human consciousness, with human consciousness measured via human response to community action. Different feedback response functions are used to excite breeding-site removal and community action. When the response functionals are both constants, an indicator function is identified, whose size can indicate whether in the long-run, community action can lead to the removal and elimination of temporary breeding-sites near human habitats. Using a predictor–corrector procedure that fits real climatic data to a continuous periodic function, we demonstrate how climatic variables can be included in the model and how the time variation of temperature and precipitation in a given area can be constructed just by appropriately choosing the parameters of a sinusoidal function and then correcting the output using nonlinear least squares analysis. Numerical simulation results are used to complement our analytical results showing the different dynamical behaviours that can be obtained. When breeding-site densities are high, human consciousness starts rising and its effect can lead to the reduction of breeding-site density, measured, and interpreted via community action. In some scenarios, the response can lead to complete removal of the breeding sites, while in others it may enter a limit cycle with different transient dynamics determined by the temperature parameters, waning rate of consciousness and breeding site impact on igniting consciousness. The novelty in this manuscript lies in the idea in which the focus is on modelling temporary mosquito breeding-sites, a process that is natural, yet neglected. Additionally, the incorporation of human consciousness highlights the need for a better understanding of human factors in neglected population dynamics studies and to attempt to correlate consciousness to adherence and its influence on disease control. Our mathematical model to address the problem of mosquito breeding-site formation, an important problem that has minimally been addressed, serves as a foundational model that can be extended to incorporate stochasticity in breeding site formation.

Spatial Distribution, Seasonal Abundance and Physio-Chemical Assessment of Mosquito Larval Breeding Sites in Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are haemotophagus insects and are vectors of many arthropod-borne diseases. Present study aimed to explore species composition, seasonal abundance, spatial distribution and physio-chemical properties of larval breeding sites of mosquitoes in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Both adults and larvae of mosquitoes were collected through light traps, insecticide spray, mouth aspirator and larval standard dipping method in District Mardan from May to November 2017. Water samples from larval sites were physio-chemically analysed. 5078 (3704 adults and 1374 larvae) mosquito specimens were collected in Mardan, Katlang and Takhtbhai tehsils. Six species in four genera were reported. Culex pipiens (89.80%) and Armigeres subalbatus (9.20%) were the most abundant species. Diversity was high in Takhtbhai (0.29) followed by Katlang (0.28) and Mardan (0.25). Greater number of specimens were recorded in peridomestic sites (93.97%) as compared to domestic habitats (6.03%). Culex pipiens larval abundance had negative correlation with pH whereas it correlated positively with electric conductivity, salinity, and TDS (total dissolved sulphur). Mosquito abundance peaked in August and July while the lowest was in May. Their monthly abundance had positive correlation with rainfall (r= 0.5069), relative humidity (r= 0.4439) and mean minimum temperature (r= 0.2866). Number of mosquitoes was highest at low elevation < 347m asl (above sea level) in agriculture land and near to water bodies (streams). Culex pipiens being the most abundant species, was susceptible to high pH. Mosquitoes preferred habitats were at low elevation in agriculture land.

Malaria among under-five children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGlobally, malaria is among the leading cause of under-five mortality and morbidity. Despite various malaria elimination strategies being implemented in the last decades, malaria remains a major public health concern, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Furthermore, there have been limited and inconclusive studies in Ethiopia to generate information for action towards malaria in under-five children. Additionally, there is a considerable disparity between the results of the existing studies. Therefore, the pooled estimate from this study will provide a more conclusive result to take evidence-based interventional measures against under-five malaria.MethodsThe protocol of this review is registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42020157886. All appropriate databases and grey literature were searched to find relevant articles. Studies reporting the prevalence or risk factors of malaria among under-five children were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Data was extracted using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analysis was done using STATA 16.0 statistical software. The pooled prevalence and its associated factors of malaria were determined using a random effect model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q-test statistics and I2 test. Furthermore, publication bias was checked by the visual inspection of the funnel plot and using Egger’s and Begg’s statistical tests.ResultsTwelve studies with 34,842 under-five children were included. The pooled prevalence of under-five malaria was 22.03% (95% CI 12.25%, 31.80%). Lack of insecticide-treated mosquito net utilization (AOR: 5.67, 95% CI 3.6, 7.74), poor knowledge of child caretakers towards malaria transmission (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI 1.70, 3.89), and living near mosquito breeding sites (AOR: 5.05, 95% CI 2.92, 7.19) were risk factors of under-five malaria.ConclusionMore than one in five children aged under five years were infected with malaria. This suggests the rate of under-five malaria is far off the 2030 national malaria elimination programme of Ethiopia. The Government should strengthen malaria control strategies such as disseminating insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), advocating the utilization of ITNs, and raising community awareness regarding malaria transmission.

Prevalence of malaria and its risk factors in Lake Tana and surrounding areas, northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundIn Ethiopia, malaria is a major concern to the health, and socio-economic development of the country because of its occurrence at the peak agricultural activities. Factors such as environmental, human host, parasite, and vector determine malaria transmission. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of malaria among febrile patients who visited selected health centres.MethodsInstitutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2020 to July 2021 in eight selected health centres located in Lake Tana and its surrounding areas. A simple random sampling technique was used to select febrile patients. Thick and thin blood films were prepared and processed according to the WHO guidelines. Socio-demographic and malaria risk factors were collected from study participants who could read and write using a self-administered questionnaire, whereas face-to-face interview was used to collect information from those participants who could not write and read. The strength of association between risk factors and malaria was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsOf the total (531) febrile patients, 75.3% were malaria negative and 24.7% (overall prevalence) were malaria confirmed cases. Most of the infections were caused by Plasmodium falciparum (72.5%) followed by Plasmodium vivax (23.7%) and mixed-species (3.8%). The highest prevalence was recorded in Kidist Hana (51.5%) followed by Robit (34.8%), Gorgora (30.3%), and Wusha Tiris (25%) health centres. In terms of months, the highest prevalence (37.5%) was detected in October whereas the lowest (14%) was in March. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (p = 0.023), educational level (p = 0.025), study month (p = 0.036), presence of eave in the house (p = 0.002) and wall openings (p = 0.041), not using bed nets (p = 0.001), sleeping in the same house with cattle (p = 0.031) and the distance between mosquito-breeding site and living house (p = 0.020) were explanatory risk factors significantly associated with malaria among studied participants.ConclusionsIn this study, we confirmed that the occurrence of malaria prevalence was high and continued against the Ethiopian malaria elimination plan of 2021–2025. Therefore, to meet the goals of this plan, the current prevention and control efforts should be stepped up even better in the coming years.

Region-specific improvisation on WHO case definition and environmental risk factors associated with dengue: a case-control analysis from Kerala, India.

Region-specific variations may occur in symptomatic manifestations that need to be addressed by dynamic case definitions. Environmental risk factors for dengue also vary widely across geographic settings. Our aim was to study the test positivity rate of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 probable dengue case definition and to suggest region-specific improvisations to it. The study also analyses the sociodemographic and environmental risk factors of dengue fever in South Kerala, India. A case-control study was conducted in South Kerala from 2017 to 2019. Dengue reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive and RT-PCR-negative 'probable dengue' patients were compared to identify significant symptoms for a modified definition of dengue. A group of afebrile community controls was compared with RT-PCR-positive dengue cases to study the environmental and behavioural risk factors. Arthralgia, palmar erythema and rashes have high discriminatory power (odds ratio [OR] >3) for identifying dengue. Redness of eyes, altered consciousness, abdominal distension and chills were found to moderately discriminate (OR 2-3) dengue. The adjusted analysis showed the presence of mosquito breeding sites (indoor p=0.02, outdoor p=0.03), solid waste dumping (p<0.001) and open water drainage in the compound (p=0.007) as significant predictors. Regional modifications should be considered when using the WHO definition in endemic settings. Control of mosquito breeding at the household level is the key towards dengue prevention.

Efficacy Evaluation of Oregano Essential Oil Mixed with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and Diflubenzuron against Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus in Road Drains of Italy.

Mosquito management programs in the urban environment of Italian cities mainly rely on larval control with conventional insecticides, primarily targeting the road drains that constitute the principal mosquito breeding sites encountered in public. The repeated utilization of synthetic insecticides may have adverse effects on non-targets and lead to resistance development issues, while the performance of biopesticides encounters limitations in field use. Botanical insecticides as single larval control agents or in binary mixtures with conventional insecticides have been extensively studied in the laboratory as an effective and eco-friendly alternative mosquito control method with promising results. The study herein concerns the investigation, for the first time under realistic conditions in the field, of the joint action of a carvacrol-rich oregano Essential Oil (EO) with two conventional insecticides, namely, the insect growth regulator diflubenzuron and the bio-insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.), in road drains in Crevalcore city, Italy, against Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus. According to the obtained results, the application of both plain EO and its mixtures with diflubenzuron and B.t.i. exerted very high efficacy in terms of immature mosquito population reduction over a two-week period. Three weeks after treatment, the performance of the oil and its mixtures diminished but remained high, while the addition of diflubenzuron potentiated the persistent action of the oil against Cx. pipiens. These findings are indicative of the potential of mixing carvacrol-rich EO with diflubenzuron and B.t.i. as an efficient eco-friendly alternative to mono-insecticide applications in road drains against Cx. pipiens and Ae. albopictus larvae.

The Prevalence of Malaria Parasites and the Dynamics of Malaria Vectors in Adenta-Barrier in Ghana

Background: Malaria burden is generally lower in urban settings. Urban malaria is likely to surge due to rapid and unplanned urbanization. Hence, this study sought to determine the prevalence of malaria parasite and malaria vectors in Adenta-barrier, a suburb of Adentan Municipality.&#x0D; Methods: The study followed a cross sectional study design pattern. Mosquitoes were collected from 40 houses in the study site using the pyrethrum spray catches (PSC) method, and malaria parasite screening was carried out on 90 participants. A well-structured form was used to record data on the use of insecticide-treated nets, insecticide spray, and mosquito coil in the community. The mosquitoes collected were morphologically identified.&#x0D; Results: The malaria parasite prevalence at the study site was 1.1%, and the use of insecticide-treated nets, insecticide spray, and mosquito coil were 13.4%, 7.5%, and 11.9% respectively. As far as vector abundance were concerned, habitat, resting and feeding behavior were taken into consideration. The majority of the mosquitoes collected during the study were Culex 95.7% (22), and the rest was Aedes 4.3% (1). Both Culex and Aedes mosquitoes were found in resting states. Study participants reported majority (80%) of the bites they sustained to have occurred during the early hours of the day. The study area also possessed several easily identifiable breeding sites for mosquitoes.&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of malaria in the study area was low and no Anopheles mosquitoes was found. The majority of mosquito species present in the locality was Culex with a few Aedes.

Malaria Surveillance Mapping in Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia

Background: Kulon Progo is one of contributing malaria cases in Indonesia and eliminating incidence malaria still unsolved problem in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the relationship between mosquito breeding sites, the distribution of malaria cases through Arc-GIS specifically for buffering and spatial analysis in Kulon Progo Regency from 2015 to 2021.Subjects dan Method: This descriptive research retrospective approach was conducted from secondary data on malaria cases in Kulon Progo between 2015 and 2021. The variable research in this study are positive malaria cases diagnosed using the traditional method of thick blood and thin smear. The sampling technique in this study used total sampling, in totally 265 cases were included. The Data on malaria cases in Kulon Progo Health Office were used as instruments to develop the spatial map and questionnaires served as a confirmation sheet for demographic characteristic. GPS (Global Positioning System) 10.3 used to determine the coordinates of malaria cases. Data on malaria cases are presented in a six-year time series. Area classification using Arc-GIS 10.1 software with buffer analysis and visualization data was utilized to determine the distribution pattern of malaria.Results: Incidence declined sharply 23.9 to 0.4 cases per 100,000 in 2015 to 2021. The purely cluster of malaria cases trend were in the watershed area at a distance of &lt;250 meters in Kokap Sub-district. Malaria cases were mostly found in rice fields with a distance of &lt;250 meters in Samigaluh Sub-district. All malaria cases were in the garden areas of &lt;250meters in Nanggulang and the forest area of &gt;250 meters in the Kalibawang Sub-district. Conclusion: Probability of malaria transmission are rivers, rice fields and gardens. It is necessary to hold training on the use of the Arc-GIS application for surveillance officers.Keywords: Gis, malaria, mapping, surveillance. Correspondence: Fatma Nuraisyah, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Indonesia. Kapas street No. 9, Semaki, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Post Box: 55166; email: fatma.nuraisyah@ikm.uad.ac.id. Mobile: 6285747232100.

Malaria outbreak facilitated by increased mosquito breeding sites near houses and cessation of indoor residual spraying, Kole district, Uganda, January-June 2019

BackgroundIn June 2019, surveillance data from the Uganda’s District Health Information System revealed an outbreak of malaria in Kole District. Analysis revealed that cases had exceeded the outbreak threshold from January 2019. The Ministry of Health deployed our team to investigate the areas and people affected, identify risk factors for disease transmission, and recommend control and prevention measures.MethodsWe conducted an outbreak investigation involving a matched case-control study. We defined a confirmed case as a positive malaria test in a resident of Aboke, Akalo, Alito, and Bala sub-counties of Kole District January–June 2019. We identified cases by reviewing outpatient health records. Exposures were assessed in a 1:1 matched case-control study (n = 282) in Aboke sub-county. We selected cases systematically from 10 villages using probability proportionate to size and identified age- and village-matched controls. We conducted entomological and environmental assessments to identify mosquito breeding sites. We plotted epidemic curves and overlaid rainfall, and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Case-control exposures were combined into: breeding site near house, proximity to swamp and breeding site, and proximity to swamp; these were compared to no exposure in a logistic regression analysis.ResultsOf 18,737 confirmed case-patients (AR = 68/1,000), Aboke sub-county residents (AR = 180/1,000), children < 5 years (AR = 94/1,000), and females (AR = 90/1,000) were most affected. Longitudinal analysis of surveillance data showed decline in cases after an IRS campaign in 2017 but an increase after IRS cessation in 2018–2019. Overlay of rainfall and case data showed two malaria upsurges during 2019, occurring 35–42 days after rainfall increases. Among 141 case-patients and 141 controls, the combination of having mosquito breeding sites near the house and proximity to swamps increased the odds of malaria 6-fold (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.24–19.7) compared to no exposures. Among 84 abandoned containers found near case-patients’ and controls’ houses, 14 (17%) had mosquito larvae. Adult Anopheles mosquitoes, larvae, pupae, and pupal exuviae were identified near affected houses.ConclusionStagnant water formed by increased rainfall likely provided increased breeding sites that drove this outbreak. Cessation of IRS preceded the malaria upsurges. We recommend re-introduction of IRS and removal of mosquito breeding sites in Kole District.

High Prevalence of Plasmodium Infection in Fighting Cocks in Thailand Determined with a Molecular Method.

Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium and the malaria-like parasites of the genus Haemoproteus has been regularly described in multiple regions worldwide. These parasites significantly affect many avian taxa, including domestic chickens and fighting cocks. There are limited epidemiological studies of these blood parasites in vertebrate hosts, especially in Thailand. This study used microscopic examination of blood samples and PCR amplification exploiting primers for nucleotide sequences of Plasmodium or Haemoproteus species based on the cytochrome b gene to determine the occurrence of Plasmodium spp. in fighting cocks. Examination of 249 blood samples of fighting cocks revealed that 41.37% (103/249) were positive for malaria by microscopic examination and 88.76% (221/249) were positive by DNA amplification. Sequencing and DNA analysis of 61 PCR products revealed that infection by Plasmodium juxtanucleare was the most common avian malaria in fighting cocks in Thailand followed by infections by Plasmodium gallinaceum; however, Haemoproteus infection was not discovered. This study indicated that plasmodiasis is widespread in fighting cocks in Thailand although the prevalence was not clearly determined; therefore, prevention and control strategies for these protozoa should be improved, especially those for avoiding vector exposure and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Assessment of mosquito larval habitats, species abundance and diversity in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria

The study investigated the abundance and diversity of mosquito species larvae in different larval breeding habitats of Azare, Katagum L.G.A., Bauchi State, Nigeria. The selected habitats were surveyed weekly between August and October, 2021 across ten communities. A total of 2,320 mosquito larvae of different instars were collected and reared to adults in which 1,624 successfully emerged as adults comprising of three genera namely: Anopheles 464 (20%), Culex 928 (40.00%) and Aedes 232 (10%). A total of four (4) species were identified; two (2) of which were Anopheles spp. (An. gambiae and An. arabiensis), one (1) Culex spp. (Cx. quinquefasciatus), one (1) Aedes spp. (Ae. aegypti); while the numbers of unidentified individuals for Culex and Aedes genera down to species level were one (1) species for each respectively. The results of this study found high species abundance and relatively low diversity but a high larval breeding index. There was no significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in larval abundance among the three groups. Most interestingly, the study found out that mosquitoes’ larvae co-habit together in relation to the breeding habitats sampled across the study area. The results of this study signify high transmission risk of mosquitoes-borne diseases in the area. Thus, control interventions, to reduce malaria burdens and other arboviruses, in the city should be broadened to target the breeding sites of mosquitoes by implementing a larviciding strategy especially during the wet season is presumably the most cost-effective strategy to consider.

Water Physicochemical Parameters and Microbial Composition Distinguish Anopheles and Culex Mosquito Breeding Sites: Potential as Ecological Markers for Larval Source Surveillance.

The presence of mosquitoes in an area is dependent on the availability of suitable breeding sites that are influenced by several environmental factors. Identification of breeding habitats for vector surveillance and larval source management is key to disease control programs. We investigated water quality parameters and microbial composition in selected mosquito breeding sites in urban Accra, Ghana and associated these with abundance of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae. Physicochemical parameters and microbial composition explained up to 72% variance among the breeding sites and separated Anopheles and Culex habitats (P < 0.05). Anopheles and Culex abundances were commonly influenced by water temperature, pH, nitrate, and total hardness with contrasting impacts on the two mosquito species. In addition, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, and alkalinity uniquely influenced Anopheles abundance, while total suspended solids, phosphate, sulphate, ammonium, and salinity were significant determinants for Culex. The correlation of these multiple parameters with the occurrence of each mosquito species was high (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001). Bacterial content assessment of the breeding ponds revealed that the most abundant bacterial phyla were Patescibacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Proteobacteria, constituting >70% of the total bacterial richness. The oligotrophic Patescibacteria was strongly associated with Anopheles suggestive of the mosquito's adaptation to environments with less nutrients, while predominance of Cyanobacteria, indicative of rich nutritional source was associated with Culex larval ponds. We propose further evaluation of these significant abiotic and biotic parameters in field identification of larval sources and how knowledge of these can be harnessed effectively to reduce conducive breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Community Willingness to Participate in A Mosquito Breeding Site Eradication Program: A Study in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Despite many efforts to prevent dengue, vector control still promising specially through integrated vector management. This effort requires community participation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that are associated with the willingness of communities in high prevalence areas to participate in mosquito breeding eradication program. This study explored factors associated with the willingness of community members in Bandung to participate in the mosquito breeding eradication program initiated by Indonesian's government, called One House One Larvae Monitor. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried randomly at sub-district level in Bandung from January-November 2018. Interviews using a set of validated questionnaires were conducted to collect data on demography, socioeconomic status, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding implementation of the program. Among 210 participants, the proportion of low-to-middle knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) index is more prevalent. Yet, for attaining high-score on KAP, there are three main predictors observed; by being female, at least had attend undergraduate level of education, and being an entrepreneur. A good score in the attitude section does not necessarily translate to good score in the practice section. The results reflect the need for better tools for changing the behavior of society, and it should not be limited to enhancement of society’s knowledge.

Analisis Faktor Risiko Malaria di Asia Tenggara

Malaria is a disease caused by the parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. All tropical countries, including Southeast Asia, reported malaria cases. Several factors related to human behavior and the environment in which people live cause the incidence of malaria. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors for malaria in Southeast Asia and determine which risk variables had the greatest impact on the prevalence of malaria. This study is a review of the literature with a narrative review model using English and Indonesian journals from 2017 to 2021. The journals were obtained through the health journal provider databases Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Researchgate, and Academic.edu. Malaria risk factors in Southeast Asia are influenced by behavioral and environmental factors. Behavioral factors include not use of mosquito nets, being active at night, male gender, and risky work. Environmental factors include rural areas, open-access dwellings, housing near cattle pens, and proximity to mosquito breeding sites. Changes in human behavior to avoid mosquito contact and environmental control are required to reduce the incidence of malaria.

Drones for Area-Wide Larval Source Management of Malaria Mosquitoes

Given the stagnating progress in the fight against malaria, there is an urgent need for area-wide integrated vector management strategies to complement existing intra-domiciliary tools, i.e., insecticide-treated bednets and indoor residual spraying. In this study, we describe a pilot trial using drones for aerial application of Aquatain Mosquito Formulation (AMF), a monomolecular surface film with larvicidal activity, against the African malaria mosquito Anopheles arabiensis in an irrigated rice agro-ecosystem in Unguja island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Nine rice paddies were randomly assigned to three treatments: (a) control (drone spraying with water only), (b) drone spraying with 1 mL/m2, or (c) drone spraying with 5 mL/m2 of AMF. Compared to control paddies, AMF treatments resulted in highly significant (p &lt; 0.001) reductions in the number of larvae and pupae and &gt;90% fewer emerging adults. The residual effect of AMF treatment lasted for a minimum of 5 weeks post-treatment, with reductions in larval densities reaching 94.7% in week 5 and 99.4% in week 4 for the 1 and 5 mL/m2 AMF treatments, respectively. These results merit a review of the WHO policy regarding larval source management (LSM), which primarily recommends its use in urban environments with ‘few, fixed, and findable’ breeding sites. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can rapidly treat many permanent, temporary, or transient mosquito breeding sites over large areas at low cost, thereby significantly enhancing the role of LSM in contemporary malaria control and elimination efforts.

Effect of School-Based Educational Interventions on the Knowledge of Malaria and Dengue Among Higher Secondary School Children in Chennai, India: A Pre and Post-intervention Study.

Introduction: School children are a means to reach and sensitize the community on the prevention of seasonal diseases such as malaria and dengue. The current study aims to determine the impact of school-based educational interventions on the knowledge of students toward the prevention and control of malaria and dengue in higher secondary schools.Methods: This pre- and post-intervention study was conducted in three higher secondary schools in Zone IV, North Chennai, from September to December 2021. A total of 284 students in the age group of 13-17 years participated in the study. School-based educational interventions were delivered through PowerPoint-assisted lectures, participatory group activities, and demonstration of mosquito larvae and their control. The impact of the interventions as the change in knowledge level was analyzed using McNemar’s test, with a p-value of <0.05.Results: Educational interventions led to the improvement in knowledge about malaria symptoms, such as fever (43.7% to 76.1%; p<0.001), chills (45.1% to 82.4%; p<0.001), and headache (46.1% to 86.6%; p<0.001), and the knowledge of Aedes mosquito bites as the cause of dengue transmission enhanced (41.9% to 92.2%; p<0.001). Similarly, there was an increase in knowledge on the identification of vector mosquito breeding sites inside the house (11.9% to 67.9%; p<0.001) and outside the house (10.9% to 69.7%; p<0.001) and mosquito net usage (21.5% to 76.1%; p<0.001) after the interventions.Conclusion: School-based educational interventions had a significant impact on enhancing the knowledge on the prevention and control of malaria and dengue among school children. Involving school children can strengthen existing malaria and dengue prevention and control strategies in endemic areas.