Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part A (2021)

Author(s): R Rajendran, K Regu, SB Anusree, Anila Rajendran and W Tamizharasu

Abstract: Aedes- borne virus diseases are fast spreading and pose significant health issues globally. The global spread of these diseases is being fuelled by globalization, unplanned urbanization, human migration, animal transportation and climatic changes. The International Health Regulations (IHR) advocates maintaining a vector free zone at ports, airports and ground crossings and 400 meter around these entry points. Vector surveillance and control at Points of Entry (PoE) is an essential activity in the successful implementation of IHR. Therefore, Vector surveillance was undertaken in and around New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) during the last week of May 2019 (Pre monsoon) and during the first week of November 2019 (Post monsoon). Inside the port, a total of 15 water holding containers at 40 premises were checked during Pre monsoon and no containers were found positive for Aedes larval breeding. However, in the Post monsoon surveillance, the Breteau index (BI) was found above the critical level. Aedes surveillance in the residential areas around NMPT showed that all the Aedes larval indices were below the critical level during both the seasons. In the present study it is evident that inside the port there are enough habitats for the profuse breeding of mosquitoes during rainy season. Routine entomological surveillance is required in and around seaport to prevent the invasion and establishment of vector mosquitoes.