Larval ecology of Aedes mosquitoes and risk of arbovirus transmission at the port of San-pedro (Côte d’ivoire)

Abstract

Mosquitoes of the genera Aedes are vectors of arboviruses. Through trade at the entry points, they spread to new areas where they can cause arbovirus epidemics. The lack of vaccine and treatment for most arboviruses makes vector control the only means of prevention. This study aimed to determine the level of infestation of Aedes mosquitoes and the risk of arbovirus by describing their larval ecology. All water containers found in activity and residential areas of the port of San Pedro were inspected for immature mosquitoes once a month from March to July 2018. Out of 227 identified potential breeding sites, 102 (44.93%) contained Aedes larvae. Abandoned containers constituted 53.92% of the sites colonized by Aedes and represented 73.43% of productivity. Sites associated with turbid water, organic debris, and those with vegetation around were more preferred by Aedes for oviposition. The house (20.80%), Breteau (27.20%) and Container (44.93%) Indices indicated a high level of entomological risk on the WHO density scale for both the activity area and the residential area. This study shows that Aedes uses more anthropogenic sites preferably abandoned containers and that its presence constitutes a risk of transmission of arboviruses in the port of San Pedro.