Prevalence of dengue vector breeding habitats among selected Schools in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the vectors responsible for the transmission of dengue viruses in Sri Lanka. Gampaha District has been ranked as the second most Dengue affected area. Recently, health authorities have identified that over 54 percent of schools have dengue mosquito breeding sites. However, the entomological information on the dengue vectors in School premises are not available. Therefore, the present study was carried out to identify the different breeding sites of dengue vector mosquitoes within school premises of randomly selected schools in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka. The premises of the selected schools (n= 34) were surveyed from May to October in 2016 for the availability of potential breeding habitats and the presence of vector breeding through entomological surveys. Collected vectors were identified morphologically and categorized inn to species level. All data on breeding habitats and number of vectors identified were recorded. According to survey, out of 34 schools surveyed; infested water-holding containers by Ae. albopictus were observed at 16 schools (47, 05%). Tree holes (Bridelia retusa tree), leaf axils of banana tree and fallen leaves were observed as natural breeding sites while, discarded plastic food containers plastic paint containers, broken pet bottles, tire marks on the ground, water retaining flower pots and plastic barrels were observed as artificial breeding sites. Breeding of Ae. aegypti was not identified among the school premises surveyed. Improper management of solid waste has affected positively in creating suitable habitats for vector breeding. Therefore, continuous monitoring of dengue vector breeding habitats and school based vector controlling interventions should be implemented through proper awareness and active participation for eliminating breeding habitats.