Breeding habitats of Aedes aegypti (L) and Aedes albopictus (skuse) in villages of Barru, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The breeding habitats of the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, were studied using larval collection method inside and outside houses in 6 villages of Barru, South Sulawesi, Indonesia from July 1994 to August 1995. Aedes aegypti was the dominant species, being abundant indoors especially in the coastal areas. Aedes albopictus was breeding primarily in outdoor containers in the hill and mountain areas. Earthen jar was the most common breeding habitat of Aedes aegypti in all villages surveyed. Drum can was the most common outdoor breeding habitat of Aedes albopictus in the hill and mountain areas. The high Breteau indices of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus suggests that these species may play an important role in the transmission of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Barru where epidemics of the fever occur occasionally.