[Larval density and space and time distribution of Anopheles albimanus (Diptera:Culicidae) in Boyeros municipality, 2008].

Abstract

Background: malaria was eradicated in Cuba in 1967; however, the worsening of this disease worldwide and the flow of people coming from endemic areas make the reintroduction of this disease possible.

Objectives: to determine presence, space and time distribution and larval density of Anopheles (N) albimanus in permanent and temporary breeding sites in one municipality of City of Havana procince.

Methods: the study was carried out in Boyeros municipality in 2008. The sampling frequency was weekly. The permanent surveyed breeding sites were dams, natural lagoons, oxidation lagoons, ditches, absorbing wells, activation ditches, Inhoff tanks, creeks, rivers, microdamps, sewage lagoons, small lakes, wells and temporary pools.

Results: a total number of 96 existing breeding sites were sampled; 34 of them were positive to An. albimanus (34.3%); Mulgoba was the area with more vectors. The most abundant types of breeding sites and, at the same time, those with the highest amount of vectors in the municipality were ditches with 28 (26.47%), natural lagoons, 21 (23.52%) and oxidation lagoons, 17 (17.64%). An. albimanus was present in the areas of this municipality throughout the year, but particularly increased in the July-September period.

Conclusions: An. albimanus larvae were present in the whole municipality throughout the year, therefore, being on the alert all the time must be one of the priority measures to be taken by the malarial surveillance system in this area.