Assessment of container breeding preference, distribution and composition of human biting mosquitos (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae within the urban and semi-urban sites of the Gash Barka zone, Eritrea

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria, pose a significant public health threat globally. Affecting nearly half the world's population, malaria is most prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Eritrea's Gash Barka Zone. This region accounts for 80% of the country's annual malaria cases, with over 67% of its population living in high-risk areas. To understand mosquito breeding patterns and inform control strategies, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Gash Barka Zone. This study surveyed mosquito larvae in various artificial containers across six districts (three urban and three semi-urban) from September to December 2020. A total of 2,570 containers were inspected, with 358 found positive for mosquito larvae. The study identified two dominant mosquito species: Aedes (8.7%) and Anopheles (5.4%). Notably, the survey revealed a higher prevalence of artificial containers harboring mosquito larvae in urban areas compared to semi-urban settings. Additionally, Aedes larvae exhibited a preference for breeding in urban environments. These findings highlight the importance of identifying mosquito breeding habitats for effective control of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. By understanding mosquito breeding preferences and distribution patterns, targeted interventions can be implemented to reduce mosquito populations and ultimately, disease transmission.