Distribution of yellow fever vectors in a disease-free area of Northeast Brazil

TL;DR

This study examines the distribution of yellow fever mosquitoes in a previously disease-free area of Brazil to assess the risk of virus spread.

Contribution

The study identifies vector species distribution patterns in a conservation unit, highlighting potential transmission risks.

Findings

Fourteen mosquito species were recorded, six of which are epidemiologically relevant.

Aedes albopictus was the most abundant species found in all environments.

Native Haemagogus species were restricted to forested areas, while exotic species moved between wild and urban areas.

Abstract

Owing to the recent spread of the yellow fever virus in Brazil and imminent
risk of its establishment in previously disease-free areas in the northeast
of the country, epidemiological surveillance actions are necessary,
including knowledge of non-human primate populations and the vectors that
inhabit risk areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate the movement
of sylvatic and urban yellow fever vectors between an Atlantic Forest
fragment and its surrounding areas.

The study site was the Mata do Junco Wildlife Refuge Conservation Unit (CU)
in Capela, Sergipe, Brazil. Immatures were collected using ovitraps in the
forested area and in peridomestic environments surrounding the CU.

Fourteen species were recorded, six of which were epidemiologically
relevant. The main vectors of yellow fever in Brazil were present in the CU.
Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) was the most abundant
species and was present in all studied environments. Aedes
aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) was not collected from forested areas.
Among the native species, Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Dyar
& Shannon, 1924) and Haemagogus janthinomys (Dyar,
1921) were collected only in the forested area of the CU, whereas
Haemagogus spegazzinii (Brètes, 1921) was collected
both in the forest and in the area around the CU.

Exotic species circulate between wild and urban areas for feeding and
oviposition, but circulation to the urban area is limited among native
species.

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