June 18, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities have identified the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the leading carrier of dengue fever in Sri Lanka, highlighting its unusual feeding habits as a key factor behind the rapid spread of the disease.
Officials from the National Dengue Control Unit have explained that dengue transmission in the country is linked to two mosquito species — Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. However, surveillance data has consistently shown that Aedes aegypti plays the dominant role in outbreaks, with its population often rising sharply before significant increases in dengue cases are recorded.
Entomologists point out that the species differs from many other mosquitoes due to its tendency to feed on multiple individuals during a single reproductive cycle. While most female mosquitoes generally obtain the blood they require from one host, Aedes aegypti frequently bites several people within a short period, particularly in locations where groups of people are gathered.
This behaviour greatly enhances the insect’s capacity to spread the dengue virus. If the mosquito is carrying the infection, it can potentially transmit the virus to several individuals in a matter of hours, accelerating community transmission and increasing the likelihood of localised outbreaks.
Experts have also noted that Aedes aegypti thrives in urban and densely populated environments, where readily available breeding sites and close human contact create ideal conditions for its survival and reproduction. Water collected in discarded containers, blocked drains, flower pots and other household items continues to provide suitable habitats for the species.
Public health officials have therefore stressed the importance of maintaining regular mosquito-control measures, including the elimination of stagnant water sources and community-based clean-up programmes. They believe that sustained efforts to reduce Aedes aegypti populations will remain essential in limiting dengue transmission and preventing future outbreaks across the country.
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