Identification of essential containers for Aedes larval breeding to control dengue in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Dengue fever (DF), one of the most important emerging arboviral diseases, is transmitted through the bite of container breeding mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. A household entomological survey was conducted in Dhaka from August through October 2000 to inspect water-holding containers in indoor, outdoor, and rooftop for Aedes larvae. The objective of this study was to determine mosquito productivity of each container type and to identify some risk factors of the households to be infested with Aedes larvae. Of 9222 households inspected, 1306 (14.2%) were positive for Aedes larvae. Of 38 777 wet containers examined, 2272 (5.8%) were infested with Aedes larvae. Containers used for reserving water, such as earthen jars, tanks, and drums were the most essential containers for larval breeding. Tires in outdoor and rooftop of the households were also important for larval breeding. Although present in abundant, less importance was indicated for buckets. Independent household, having water storage system in the house, and having fully/partly shaded outdoor premise were found significantly associated with household infestation of Aedes larvae. Identification and subsequent elimination of the most productive containers in a given area may potentially reduce mosquito density below a level at which dengue transmission may be halted.