Assessment of the receptivity of dengue vector breeding through pre- And post-monsoon vector surveillance at some international airports in India

Abstract

As per the International Health Regulations (2005), all the International airports and seaports are to be kept free from the risk of infection through any pathogen transmitted by vectors, thereby resulting in public health hazard. Therefore, all the international airports and seaports premises are to be kept free from any vector breeding along with the 400 perimeter areas surrounding the airports and seaports. To assess the receptivity of Vector breeding i.e. Aedes aegypti (Vector for Dengue, Yellow fever, Zika and Chikunguniya), the entomological teams from the Centre for Medical Entomology and Vector Control, NCDC have been undertaking vector surveillance activities (Pre & Post Monsoon) at POE’s of some International Airports & Seaports. The vector surveillance is being done on regular basis and the findings are being shared with the respective authorities for undertaking immediate control measures. From the years 2015 to 2020, Dengue vector surveillance activities were carried out at 10 international airports including 400 meters peripheral areas during pre- and post-monsoon periods. An attempt has been made to describe the receptivity of the airports with the key findings with entomological indices with regard to the prevention and control of dengue vector and for proper planning to undertaking timely control measures to regulate the International Health Regulations in the respective international airports. Such studies on the assessment of receptivity would help the local airport health authorities in understanding the breeding potential habitats of Aedes vector and planning the appropriate vector control strategy in the respective areas.