Anthropophilic mosquitoes at Richards Bay, Natal, and arbovirus antibodies in human residents.

A survey at Richards Bay, the site of a new international harbour on the east coast of South Africa, revealed the presence of 11 anthropophilic mosquito species. These are discussed in relation to their known medical importance and to a complementary survey of arbovirus antibodies among residents of the area. Mansonia uniformis was by far the most abundant man-biting mosquito. Antibodies against Germiston, Banzi and Rift Valley Fever viruses were the three most commonly encountered, being detected in 29.7, 12.2 and 8.7% of residents respectively. This new knowledge updates the distribution and prevalence of arbovirus antibodies in man in northern Natal.