Assessment of population dynamics and biting trends of Aedes aegypti in northern Benin: Public health implications

Abstract

Aedes aegypti represents a major vector of arboviruses, which include Zika viruses, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever among others. Presence and abundance of this vector is associated with the risk of arboviral diseases transmission. Little is known about biting behaviour of Aedes mosquitoes in Benin. This study aimed to assess population dynamics and biting trends of Aedes aegypti mosquito in northern Benin. Abundance and biting cycle of Aedes aegypti were determined indoors Vs outdoors through monthly human landing catches.A total of 485 adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were collected. The probability of exposure to Aedes aegypti bites was highest outdoors and in afternoon hours. This is enormous risk factors for potentiel outbreaks of arboviral diseases.Findings of our study serve valuable informations about potentiel threat of the emergence of arboviral diseases in northen Benin. Therefore, it will be important to implement urgently vector control strategies to fight against Aedes mosquitoes in order to prevent any occurrence of arbovirus.