Ecological Survey of Aedes Mosquito Larvae in Selected Dengue Outbreak Villages in Cagayan de Oro City

In the recent years, dengue fever has become an international global public health concern Dengue, a disease common in tropical and sub-tropical countries in the world, is transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito. Dengue fever is potentially fatal and mainly affects children. The Philippines is one of the four countries in the Western Pacific which reported the highest dengue incidence in recent years. The study was done in June - October 2014 (Wet Season) and December 2014- April 2015 (Dry Season). Ten villages in Cagayan de Oro City were selected for the survey to identify the species and determine the abundance of mosquito larvae. A larval survey was conducted in each study area to determine the main breeding sites of dengue vector mosquitos and to examine the relationship between the ecological conditions surrounding the houses and the variation in larval density among houses. In this study the researcher uses oviposition traps designed to collect mosquito larvae. Of the mosquito larvae collected in the ten villages, the dominant identified species is Aedes aegypti. Data shows there are more Aedes larvae during the dry season. The study suggested that larval survey programme could serve as a tool not only to monitor the local dengue vector distribution but also to provide objective information for taking appropriate action by the community against dengue vectors.

Keywords: Mosquito, Aedes, Ecological Survey, Wet and Dry Season, Villages