Dengue vector (Aedes aegypti) control in south Chennai using ovitraps through community participation

Dengue fever, caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), is a mosquito-borne disease that poses a significant public health threat in many parts of the world. The primary vector for dengue transmission in Tamil Nadu is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which exhibits anthropophilic behavior and prefers breeding in stagnant water in residential areas. This research paper focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of using ovitraps, modified with locally available materials, for Aedes aegypti control in Chennai through community participation. Five sampling locations within Chennai were selected for the surveillance study (K.K. Nagar, Nesapakkam, J.B.A.S College, Triplicane and Royapettah). Ovitraps of 5 different colors, such as black, blue, red, orange, and white were used. The egg counts varied across different locations, time periods and different coloured ovitraps. Nesapakkam area exhibited the highest egg counts, suggesting the presence of factors such as poor sanitation and drainage that promote mosquito breeding. The results of the study showed that the highest number of Aedes aegypti eggs was collected during the months of February-March, indicating increased mosquito breeding activity during the dry season. The study also found that black and blue ovitraps yielded the highest number of eggs, while red, orange, and white ovitraps had lower counts. These findings highlight the potential effectiveness of color-coded ovitraps in capturing mosquito eggs and suggest the importance of seasonal monitoring and targeted vector control efforts. To protect the public from dengue/DHF, large-scale dengue prevention can be implemented by combining this system with other routine prevention measures. This will enable individuals to integrate and learn more about the effective control of dengue vectors.