Distribution of mosquitoes and the first record of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Riyadh Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Mosquitoes are among the most important vectors that transmit several parasitic and viral diseases in different regions of the world. Mosquito surveillance was carried out from 2012 to 2017 to determine the occurrence and distribution of mosquito species in five places in the Riyadh Province (Riyadh city, Al-Kharj, Ad Dilam, Al Majma’ah, and Al Duwadimi) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Larval collections were carried out using standard dippers and adult collections with Bio traps. The mosquito collection comprised Anopheles dthali, An. pretoriensis, Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti. The presence of Ae aegypti is considered to be the first record in the mentioned places. The occurrence of Ae. aegypti represents a serious risk of transmission of Ae. aegypti-borne diseases in the region. Therefore, active entomological surveillance and proper vector control are needed to prevent the further spread of this vector and the transmission of Ae. aegypti-borne diseases in the region.