Larval habitats and distribution patterns of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse), in Thailand.

This study was conducted to survey larval breeding habitats and to obtain larval abundance during the dry period covering all 5 geographical zones of Thailand. Our results indicated Aedes aegypri is prevalent all over the country, whereas Aedes albopictus is more restricted to the remote area of the south. Water storage containers, especially water jars, served as a main larval breeding habitats of Ae. aegypti, whereas broken cans and plastic containers are considered primary breeding sites for Ae. alpopictus during the dry period. In addition, Aedes larval indices, container index (CI), house index (HI), and Breteau index (BI) were measured. CI and HI values from the central part were significantly higher than those from other areas (p<0.01). BI values of all collection sites were greater than 50 (a maximum BI value accepted by the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand). In brief, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus populations heavily infested many towns and residential areas of the country. Drought could not limit the density of Aedes mosquitos in Thailand. Systematic vector control and vector surveillance programs by public health organizations, if practical, should be continuously conducted to reduce or prevent dengue risk.