Human and Environmental Factors Affecting Aedes aegypti Distribution in an Arid Urban Environment

• DOI: 10.2987/10-6078.1
• Publication Date: 2011-06-17T17:28:01Z
• Authors: Kathleen R. Walker; Teresa K. Joy; Christa Ellers-Kirk; Frank B. Ramberg
• Keywords: Mosquito control; Wet season

Aedes aegypti has reappeared in urban communities the southwestern USA 1990s after a 40-year absence. In 2003 and 2004, systematic survey was conducted throughout metropolitan Tucson, AZ, to identify human environmental factors associated with Ae. distribution within an arid area. presence abundance were measured monthly using Centers for Disease Control Prevention enhanced oviposition traps at sampling sites established grid 3- 4-km intervals across city. Sampling occurred summer rainy season (July through September), peak of mosquito activity region. Multiple regression analyses determine relationships between density that could influence distribution. House age only factor showed consistent significant association both years: older houses had more eggs. This is 1st study local level house as explanatory independent other demographic factors. Further research into reasons why mosquitoes abundant around homes may help inform refine future vector surveillance control efforts event dengue outbreak