Stegomyia mosquitoes in the airport and seaports of Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A popular tourist destination.

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVES

The breeding potential of vector mosquitoes of dengue and chikungunya viruses in and around airport and seaport of Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Andaman & Nicobar Islands was explored.

METHODS

The survey was carried out for two years during the months of March and April. All the water holding containers in the residential and non-residential areas of the airport and seaport were surveyed for Aedes immatures.

RESULTS

The Stegomyia indices were higher in 2023 compared to 2024. The indices in 2023; the HI, CI, BI and PI were 20.1, 5.6, 32.4 and 86.0, respectively, whereas in 2024, these values declined to 6.8, 1.9, 9.6 and 17.4. Two Aedes species; Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were found in the surveyed containers, with the former in higher proportion. In 2023, larger drum/tanks had higher CI values, while in 2024 smaller containers had more positivity. Ovitrap index showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the two years in both airport and seaport. The percentage positivity for Aedes eggs was 41.2% (n=97) and 36.7% (n=79) in airport and seaport respectively.

INTERPRETATION

CONCLUSION

This study is the first comprehensive entomological survey conducted at the Sri Vijaya Puram International Airport and seaport. It offers data on Aedes mosquitoes, especially Ae. aegypti , principal vector of arboviruses, at critical entry points, which are the key vulnerable zones of Andaman & Nicobar archipelago. This study highlights the urgent need for systematic vector surveillance and effective control measures.