- International Journal of Pure and Applied Zoology (2015) Volume 3, Issue 3

Entomological Surveillance for The Vector of Yellow Fever/Dengue/Chikungunya in and Around Ports of Goa, India

As per the International Health Regulations it is moral responsibility on national governments to keep international seaports/airports and peripheral areas up to 400 metres free of vector mosquitoes in its adult and immature stages and the mosquito vectors of other diseases of epidemiological significance. In view of seriousness of the problem, present study was undertaken in and around port areas of Goa (India) to see the prevalence of Aedes mosquito. At seaport area, 83 containers were found positive with 46.4 per cent container index. At airports, breeding of Aedes mosquito could not be detected, however, Culex larvae were detected at one place. In adjoining residential colonies near Mormugao port Trust (MPT), higher container index was found to be in Roomrawala Chal (25.8 percent) and Breateu index in Headland Upper Sada (56.3). Plastic containers were the preferred source of breeding followed by tin and tires. In MPT campus high density of adult Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) was noted with 78.0 Per Man Hour Density (PMHD). Breeding preference ratio (BPR) was highest for tires (1.5) in Mormugao Port Trust area while in residential colonies highest for earthen (4.8). In the present study high vector indices were recorded in both the port area surveyed. Health authority of airport/seaport need to develop action plan for appropriate control measures with emphasis on vector surveillance.

Author(s): Abhay Kumar Sharma, Kaushal Kumar, and Sukhvir Singh

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