Distribution and larval breeding habitats of mosquito species in residential areas of northwest Ethiopia.

Objectives: The mosquito is a vector for transmitting many arboviruses. Knowledge of the breeding habitat of this vector is vital for implementing appropriate interventions. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the breeding habitats and presence of mosquito species in the study areas.

Methods: A house-to-house cross-sectional survey of mosquito breeding habitats was carried out in Metema and Humera, Ethiopia, in August 2017. All available water-holding containers present in and around houses were inspected for the presence of immature stages of mosquitoes, and they were collected and reared to the adult stage for species identification. In the larval survey, the house index, container index, and Breteau index were computed as risk indices.

Results: Of the 384 houses surveyed for the presence of mosquito larval breeding, 98 were found to be positive for larvae. During the survey, a total of 566 containers were inspected, of which 186 were found to be infested with mosquito larvae, with a container index of 32.9, a house index of 25.5, and a Breteau index of 48.4. The most common mosquito breeding habitats were discarded tires (57.5%), followed by mud pots (30.0%). Of the 1,077 larvae and pupae collected and reared, (49.3%), (6.5%), and species (44.2%) were identified.

Conclusions: Discarded tires were the most preferred breeding habitats for mosquitoes. Moreover, , the main vector of dengue and other arboviruses, was identified for the first time in this region, suggesting a high potential for arbovirus transmission in the study areas.