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VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Seasonal variation of Anopheles mosquitoes with special reference to malarial vectors in selected areas of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India
Authors
Usha P, Nisha P Aravind
Abstract
Malaria is a life threatening tropical endemic
disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles stephensi
is the notorious urban vector among the known malaria vectors. According to DHS
Kerala data on communicable diseases, 439 malaria cases were reported in the
year 2022 and among these 39 were from Thiruvananthapuram district. The present
study was undertaken to find out the seasonal variation in the density of Anopheles
mosquitoes, especially malarial vectors, in 3 areas: Vizhinjam (coastal),
Vithura (hilly) and Pattom (urban) of Thiruvananthapuram district. Adult
mosquitoes collected from cattle sheds were identified and man hour densities
(MHD) from each area were calculated. In the present study 9 species of Anopheles
mosquitoes were collected and 2 species, Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles
varuna are known malaria vectors. Among these, the urban vector Anopheles
stephensi showed higher MHD in coastal and urban areas (Vizhinjam,
Pattom) but was not detected in hilly area (Vithura). In the urban area,
higher density of Anopheles stephensi was observed in all seasons. Anopheles
varuna was detected from all three areas (hilly, urban and coastal) with
lower density and showed no seasonality in this study. The excessive influx of
migrant workers from other states especially in Vizhinjam harbour area may be
the cause of increase in malaria cases. The presence of vectors indicates the
risk of local transmission. Hence, vector control activities should be
intensified to prevent the occurrence of indigenous cases.
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Pages:160-162
How to cite this article:
Usha P, Nisha P Aravind "Seasonal variation of <i>Anopheles</i> mosquitoes with special reference to malarial vectors in selected areas of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 160-162
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