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Keywords

disease, entomology, mosquito, parasitology, surveillance, vector

Abstract

Aedes albopictus is a well-known vector species of mosquito that is responsible for the transmission of many arboviruses such as Zika, chikungunya, and dengue. The objective of this study was to quantify spatial and temporal variation of Ae. albopictus prevalence in Arkansas. We used egg abundance as a proxy for mosquito prevalence. Across 2 years, we worked with the Arkansas Department of Health to collect mosquito eggs using oviposition traps. Eggs were desiccated, counted, and later rehydrated in rearing chambers and raised through adulthood for species determination (>99% Ae. albopictus). We determined mean egg abundance by month, year, and latitude, and mapped egg counts using graduated colors to visually display county-specific patterns. Egg abundance was typically low in spring, peaked in late summer, and steadily declined through fall. We observed north-south differences in egg abundance, though the latitude of peak abundance varied across years and throughout the seasons. This research reveals temporal variation and spatial hotspots in Ae. albopictus prevalence across the state of Arkansas and highlights existing gaps that should be targeted by future sampling.

Additional Files
SupplementaryTable1.docx (73 kB)
Supplementary Table 1
SupplementaryFigure1.2016MapVideo.mp4 (1804 kB)
Supplementary Video 1
SupplementaryFigure2.2017MapVideo.mp4 (2389 kB)
Supplementary Video 2
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