Impending dengue outbreak: An assessment on mosquito density, diversity and awareness

摘要

Repeated outbreaks of vector borne diseases necessitate a study on the diversity and abundance. Thisstudy was to determine species composition, relative abundance and habitat characteristics ofmosquitoes. A cross-sectional entomological survey was carried out in 140 households, rural area ofThrissur district. Larvae and adult mosquitoes were collected and the species were identified. Knowledgeregarding mosquito breeding and dengue were assessed using a questionnaire. A total of 140 houses weretaken up for survey from which 190 positive containers were obtained. The species identified duringlarval and adult stages from indoors and outdoors were Aedes albopictus, and breeding habitats includedmore of plastic containers followed by coconut shells. House Index, Container Index and Breteau Indexwere 67%, 35% and 135 respectively, which were above critical level. The indices have direct relevanceto disease transmission and calls for urgent need to institute appropriate measures.