Entomological Surveillance and Risk Assessment for Aedes-borne diseases in the Premises of Medical College Campus Institutions in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation

Abstract

Introduction: The escalating public health crises due to Aedes-borne diseases (ABDs), such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, formidably affect tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including India.
Kerala is one of the worst affected states in India, endemic to many vector - borne diseases, particularly Aedes-transmitted diseases. In vector prevalence studies, while surveillance is crucial, it’s often limited to residential areas, neglecting key public places like hospitals, schools, and other commercial establishments. In hospital premises, the presence of Aedes mosquito breeding sites creates a substantial risk of transmitting ABDs to different stakeholders associating with it. This calls for an entomological situation analysis targeting these areas.
Method: Aedes larval field surveillance was conducted in four health facilities in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This involved determining traditional Aedes larval indices, as well as pupal index,
adult premise index, and breeding preference ratio.
Result: A survey of the Government Medical College campus, encompassing four health facilities and 44 prime premises, indicated the presence of Aedes larvae in 8 premises. Significant entomological
indices such as Activity area index, pupal index, adult premise index was found out in many of the areas surveyed.
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that regular source reduction activities are to be intensified in every hospital and associated institution premises so as to check proliferation of vector mosquitoes and to prevent possible infection of ABDs among different stakeholders associating with these institutions.

How to cite this article:
Rajendran R, Baruah K, Anusree S B, Sasi M S. Entomological Surveillance and Risk Assessment for Aedes-borne diseases in the Premises of Medical College Campus Institutions in Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. J Commun Dis. 2025;57(3):14-24.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202563