Aedes aegypti (L) in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar islands-distribution and larval ecology.

ABSTRACT

A comprehensive survey was carried out in the Port Blair town in Andaman and Nicobar islands, in order to study the distribution and relative prevalence of Aedes aegypti during the monsoon (July'1997-October'1997) season using larval survey and adult collection methods. Ae. aegypti was found in all 21 localities surveyed. Spatial variations in distribution was evident which was closely related to population density. The nature of the larval habitats was observed to be similar in all the localities. For both outdoor and in-door containers, breeding preference ratio was highest for mud/brick/cement containers, followed by metal and plastic containers. These findings are correlated with water storage habits of the residents in the localities surveyed.