Vol. 3, Issue 5, Part A (2016)

Author(s): Amitabh Shad and J Andrew

Abstract: Seasonal abundance of the immature stages of the mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, the vector of Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito borne diseases were studied in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Samples were collected from temporary, semi-permanent and permanent ground water pools and other mosquito breeding sites throughout the year. In Agra, the larval index of C. quinquefasciatus was highest in rainy season, July to September and lowest in winters, from December till February. Larval development was remarkably slow during this season. The larval index starts increasing in April, 53.1, 37.3 and 47.3 for the first, second and third year respectively. The larval index again decreases in June due to extreme hot summers. The maximum larval index was noted in September (173.1, 136.2 and 124 for the first, second and third year respectively). The larval index showed an unusual rise in the month of July (134.7) for the first year and in February (32.1) during the third year of the study which shows its direct relation with the meteorological conditions prevailing in that area. The larval index shows two peak values first in the month of August and September and then in April and May during the study which coincides with the incidence of Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, filariasis and other mosquito borne diseases. Systematic water management, usage of larvivorous predators and organizing literacy campaigns can be a remedy for the breeding of C. quinquefasciatus mosquito in the city.