Post Flood Dengue Vector Surveillance-An Experience from Ernakulum District of Kerala, India in 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Floods increase the transmission of water and vector borne diseases. In August 2018, severe floods affected the south Indian state Kerala. Present study was conducted in Ernakulam district of Kerala.

Objectives: (i) To determine the major breeding sources for mosquitoes in the peri-domestic area (ii) to identify the species of mosquitoes and (iii) to analyse the vector (larval) indices.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Ernakulam district of Kerala by using a mix method. Data was collected from 15th to 30th September, 2018 by House to House survey, Review of IDSP records and interview of key health officials of the district. Larval survey was done in 525 houses selected from 11 purposively selected areas. Data was entered and objective wise analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel and data was presented in number and percentages.

Result: Ernakulam district is endemic for dengue fever. Out of total 1580 containers inspected maximum were of plastic (35.7%), followed by metals (21.9%) and plastic drums (9.9%). House Index ranged from 2 - 18 percent. Container Index ranged from 0.6 - 6.3 percent. Breatu Index ranged from 1.8 - 24.8 percent. Out of total 51 mosquitoes, 33 (64.7%) were Aedes Albopictus, 4 (7.8%) were Aedes Pseudotaeniatus, 5 (9.8%) were Armigeres Subalbatus and 9 (17.6%) were Culex Quinquefasciatus.

Conclusion: High level of all the vector indices and plenty of empty containers is responsible for endemicity of dengue and it can give rise to outbreak at any point of time.