In 2022, there were around 0.25 cases of West Nile virus per 100,000 population in the United States. This statistic shows the rate of cases of West Nile virus and other arboviral diseases in the U.S. in 2022.

This graph shows the total number of mosquito-borne disease cases reported in the U.S. from 2004 to 2018. In the year 2004, there were 4,858 reported mosquito-borne disease cases, while there were 5,847 such cases in 2018.

In 2023, Nigeria accounted for 30.9 percent of malaria deaths worldwide. This statistic shows the distribution of malaria deaths globally in 2023.

This statistic shows the global impact of mosquito-borne diseases in 2015. In that year, around 3.4 billion people around the globe were at risk of contracting malaria. Mosquito-borne diseases-additional information Although the at-risk population for malaria remained high in 2015, the number of malaria cases worldwide decreased in all parts of the world from 2000 to 2015. In total, the world saw a decrease of malaria cases from 262,000 in the year 2000 to 214,000 in the year 2015. Africa, the region with the most cases of Malaria, saw a decrease over the same period from 214,000 to 188,000. In a worldwide survey of global travelers Malaria was found to be the third most concerning health risk for travelers, with insect-borne fevers, such as Dengue ranking number two behind Ebola. The latest outbreak of the Zika virus in South and Central America also shows the challenge of fighting mosquito-borne diseases. The Zika virus has been linked to a rise in microcephaly among newborns, a neurodevelopmental disorder which ultimately can result in severely impaired intellectual development and other neurological dysfunctions such as hyperactivity, convulsions, etc. As of 2015, over two million people worldwide were living in areas environmentally suitable for Zika virus transmission, with Asia accounting for 1.4 million of the at-risk population. In 2015 alone, mosquitoes were responsible for 755,000 human deaths, making them the most deadly creatures worldwide, far ahead of the second most deadly creature, snails, with 200,000 human deaths.

Dengue virus is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus, causing approximately 390 million infections and 25,000 deaths per year. Aedes aegypti, the primary mosquito vector of dengue virus, is well-established throughout the state of Florida, United States. Autochthonous transmission of dengue virus to humans in Florida has been increasing since 2009, alongside consistent importation of dengue cases. However, most cases of first infection with dengue are asymptomatic and the virus can be maintained in mosquito populations, complicating surveillance and leading to an underestimation of disease risk. Metagenomic sequencing of A. aegypti mosquitoes in Manatee County, Florida revealed the presence of dengue virus serotype 4 (DENV-4) genomes in mosquitoes from multiple trapping sites over 2years, in the absence of a human DENV-4 index case, and even though a locally acquired case of DENV-4 has never been reported in Florida. This finding suggested that: (i) DENV-4 may circulate among humans undetected; (ii) the virus was being maintained in the mosquito population, or (iii) the detected complete genome sequence may not represent a viable virus. This study demonstrates that an infectious clone generated from the Manatee County DENV-4 (DENV-4M) sequence is capable of infecting mammalian and insect tissue culture systems, as well as adult female A. aegypti mosquitoes when fed in a blood meal. However, the virus is subject to a dose dependent infection barrier in mosquitoes, and has a kinetic delay compared to a phylogenetically related wild-type (WT) control virus from a symptomatic child, DENV-4H (strain Homo sapiens/Haiti-0075/2015, GenBank accession MK514144.1). DENV-4M disseminates from the midgut to the ovary and saliva at 14days post-infection. Viral RNA was also detectable in the adult female offspring of DENV-4M infected mosquitoes. These results demonstrate that the virus is capable of infecting vector mosquitoes, is transmissible by bite, and is vertically transmitted, indicating a mechanism for maintenance in the environment without human-mosquito transmission. These findings suggest undetected human-mosquito transmission and/or long-term maintenance of the virus in the mosquito population is occurring in Florida, and underscore the importance of proactive surveillance for viruses in mosquitoes.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACTIn order to better assess the public health risk posed by a detection of DENV-4 RNA in Manatee County, FL Aedes aegypti, we produced an infectious clone using the sequence from the wild-caught mosquitoes and characterized it via laboratory infections of mosquitoes and mosquito tissues.

This graph shows the total number of mosquito-borne disease cases reported in the U.S. in 2018, by state. In that period, in the state of California, 521cases of mosquito-borne disease were reported. In total, there were 5,847 mosquito-borne disease cases that year.

Mosquito Control Products Market Outlook

In 2023, the global mosquito control products market size was valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion, with expectations to reach around USD 5.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. This market growth is primarily driven by increasing occurrences of mosquito-borne diseases, climate changes, and the urgent need for improved living standards across residential and public health domains.

One of the significant growth factors in the mosquito control products market is the rise in mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito-borne diseases account for over 700,000 deaths annually, which has created an urgent need for effective mosquito control solutions. Increased health awareness and government initiatives to curb the spread of these diseases have significantly contributed to the market's expansion. Additionally, the continuous investments in public health infrastructure and measures to reduce mosquito breeding sites have further propelled the demand for mosquito control products.

Climate change also plays a pivotal role in the expansion of the mosquito control products market. Warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns have extended the breeding seasons and expanded the geographic range of mosquitoes. This has led to an increased demand for mosquito control solutions in regions previously considered low-risk. Moreover, urbanization and population growth in tropical and subtropical regions, where mosquitoes thrive, have exacerbated the need for efficient control measures, stimulating market growth.

Another crucial element driving the growth of the mosquito control products market is the improvement in living standards and increasing disposable incomes, especially in developing countries. As people become more health-conscious, there is a rising demand for preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases. This has led to higher consumption of mosquito control products, such as mosquito nets, traps, and repellents, at the residential level. Furthermore, the proliferation of e-commerce and digital marketing strategies has made these products more accessible to a broader audience, positively impacting market sales.

Regionally, the Asia Pacific holds a significant market share due to the high prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases and favorable climatic conditions for mosquito breeding. Countries such as India, China, and Southeast Asian nations are witnessing substantial investments in mosquito control initiatives. North America and Europe also contribute significantly to the market, driven by stringent regulations and public health campaigns. Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa and Latin America are gradually catching up, primarily due to international aid and government-led programs focused on disease prevention and mosquito control.

Product Type Analysis

The mosquito control products market is segmented into various product types, including larvicides, adulticides, mosquito traps, mosquito nets, and others. Larvicides, which target the larval stage of mosquitoes, are essential in preventing the growth and spread of mosquito populations. These chemicals are often applied to water bodies where mosquitoes breed, ensuring that the larvae do not mature into biting adults. The growing emphasis on early intervention and preventive measures has resulted in a steady demand for larvicides. Furthermore, advancements in larvicidal formulations and environmentally friendly alternatives are expected to drive this segment's growth.

Adulticides, designed to kill adult mosquitoes, are another crucial segment in the mosquito control products market. These products are typically used in fogging and spraying operations conducted by public health authorities and pest control companies. The rapid action of adulticides in reducing mosquito populations has made them a preferred choice in outbreak situations. Additionally, the development of new active ingredients and innovative delivery methods, such as microencapsulation, has enhanced the efficacy and safety of adulticides, contributing to their market growth.

Mosquito traps have gained popularity as an effective non-chemical method for controlling mosquito populations. These devices attract, capture, and kill mosquitoes, thus reducing the number of biting insects in a given area. The increasing awareness of the adverse effects of chemical insecticides on human health and the environment has led t

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Mosquito Control Market Size is USD XX million in 2024 and is set to achieve a market size of USD XX million by the end of 2033, growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2033. North America held share of XX% in the year 2024 Europe held share of XX% in the year 2024 Asia-Pacific held share of XX% in the year 2024 South America held share of XX% in the year 2024 Middle East and Africa held share of XX% in the year 2024 MARKET DYNAMICS: KEY DRIVERS

The increasing demand for mosquito control measures and awareness of mosquito-borne diseases is a major driver of the mosquito control market.

Mosquitoes are a major public health concern, and the need for effective mosquito control measures is growing globally. The growing demand for mosquito control products and services is driven by the increasing awareness of the importance of mosquito control and the need to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls mosquitoes the world’s deadliest animal. As of 30 April 2024, over 7.6 million dengue cases have been reported to the WHO in 2024, including 3.4 million confirmed cases, over 16,000 severe cases, and over 3000 deaths, which is three times what was reported during the same period in 2023, highlighting the acceleration of this health problem. The mosquito control market is also driven by the growing demand for mosquito control products and services in regions with high mosquito populations and disease transmission rates. The increasing demand for mosquito control measures is also driven by the growing awareness of the importance of mosquito control and the need to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The growing demand for mosquito control measures is also driven by the increasing number of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks and the need for effective mosquito control measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. (https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2024-DON518#:~:text=As%20of%2030%20April%202024,cases%2C%20and%20over%203000%20deaths) RESTRAINTS OF THE MARKET

The mosquito control market is restrained by growing concerns over the environmental and health impacts of chemical-based mosquito control methods.

The use of insecticides and pesticides has raised concerns about their potential effects on non-target species, contamination of water and soil, and human exposure to toxic substances. The environmental concerns associated with chemical-based mosquito control methods are multifaceted. For instance, the use of insecticides can harm beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, and contaminate waterways, posing a risk to aquatic life. The widespread use of chemical-based mosquito control methods has led to the development of pesticide-resistant mosquito populations, making it increasingly difficult to control mosquito-borne diseases. The health concerns associated with chemical-based mosquito control methods are also significant. Exposure to insecticides and pesticides has been linked to a range of human health problems, including cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive issues. As a result, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable mosquito control solutions that minimize harm to the environment and human health. This shift in consumer preference is driving innovation in the market, with manufacturers developing new products and technologies that prioritize environmental sustainability and human safety. The mosquito control market is a growing industry that involves the use of various methods and technologies to control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes are a major public health concern, and the need for effective mosquito control measures is increasing globally. The mosquito control market is driven by the growing demand for mosquito control products and services, particularly in regions with high mosquito populations and disease transmission rates. The market is characterized by the presence of various types of mosquito control products, including insecticides, repellents, and traps. The mosquito control market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for mosquito control measures and the growing awareness of the importance of mosquito control.

Mosquito Misting Systems Market Outlook

The global mosquito misting systems market size was valued at approximately USD 420 million in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly USD 730 million by 2032, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% over the forecast period. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases and the growing awareness about the importance of mosquito control measures. Additionally, rising consumer preference for outdoor activities and the consequent need for pest-free environments are further fueling the demand for mosquito misting systems.

One of the significant growth factors in the mosquito misting systems market is the rise in mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. These diseases pose a substantial health risk, prompting both residential and commercial property owners to invest in effective mosquito control solutions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito-borne diseases account for over 700,000 deaths annually, demonstrating the critical need for efficient mosquito control methods, including misting systems. This heightened awareness and urgency in addressing mosquito-related health issues significantly drive market growth.

Another key growth driver is the increasing consumer preference for outdoor living spaces. As more people invest in enhancing their outdoor environments with patios, gardens, and swimming pools, the demand for effective mosquito control solutions has surged. Mosquito misting systems provide a convenient and efficient way to create a pest-free outdoor space, thereby increasing their adoption. The growth in disposable income and changing lifestyles, especially in urban areas, further contribute to this trend, as consumers are more willing to invest in technologies that enhance their quality of life.

The technological advancements in mosquito misting systems also play a crucial role in market growth. Modern systems come equipped with smart features such as automated timers, remote control via mobile apps, and integration with home automation systems. These innovations not only improve the effectiveness of mosquito control but also enhance user convenience. The development of eco-friendly and non-toxic insecticides used in these systems also attracts environmentally conscious consumers, thereby broadening the market base.

From a regional perspective, North America holds a significant share of the mosquito misting systems market, attributed to the high awareness levels and stringent regulations regarding mosquito control. The region's well-established infrastructure and higher disposable income levels further support market growth. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, rising population, and improving economic conditions. The growing tourism industry in regions like Southeast Asia also boosts the adoption of mosquito misting systems in commercial establishments.

Product Type Analysis

The mosquito misting systems market can be segmented based on product type into Tankless Misting Systems and Drum-Based Misting Systems. Tankless misting systems have gained popularity due to their ease of installation and maintenance. These systems draw insecticide directly from a container, which eliminates the need for a large storage tank, making them ideal for residential use. The compact design and the ability to be integrated into existing irrigation systems have further propelled the demand for tankless misting systems. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to features such as automated refilling and smart control, enhancing their appeal in the market.

Drum-based misting systems, on the other hand, have been the traditional choice and are widely used in larger commercial and industrial applications. These systems involve a drum or tank where the insecticide is stored and mixed with water before being sprayed. The durability and capacity of drum-based systems make them suitable for extensive coverage areas, such as farms, large residential properties, and commercial spaces. Despite being bulkier, their effectiveness in delivering consistent mosquito control in vast areas ensures their continued demand. Innovations in materials and pump efficiency have also improved the longevity and performance of drum-based systems, sustaining their relevance in the market.

While tankless systems are favored for their convenience a

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Mosquito Repellent Market size will be XX million by 2030, whereas its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be XX% from 2025 to 2033. • Asia Pacific held the largest share of the global Mosquito Repellent market around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. • North America accounted for a share of over XX% of the global market size of USD XX million. • Europe held a market share of around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. • The Latin American market is around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. • Middle East and Africa held the major market of around XX% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of XX% from 2025 to 2033. Market Dynamics of the Mosquito Repellent Market Key Drivers of the Mosquito Repellent Market

Increasing prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases globally will boost mosquito repellent market

The increasing prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses has been a key health issue across the world, and this has created a growing need for mosquito repellents as a preventive option. Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as malaria, dengue, and the Zika virus, still pose a threat to millions of lives annually, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) documents the extent of this global health issue, citing that these illnesses account for significant morbidity, mortality, and economic loss globally. https://iris.who.int/bitstream Mosquito-borne illnesses have been a major problem for public health systems for a long time, particularly in areas where the climate favors the growth of mosquito populations. Mosquitoes are vectors for a number of lethal diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 263 million cases of malaria reported annually worldwide, with over 597,000 deaths in 83 countries in 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria Dengue fever, another major mosquito-borne illness, causes about 390 million infections each year. https://www.who.int/news-room Zika virus, though less endemic than malaria and dengue, is still a major issue due to its links to birth defects as well as neurological complications. As the diseases spread, individuals living within infected areas are relying more and more on mosquito repellents as a key factor in personal defence and prevention of disease. Malaria is one of the most lethal mosquito-borne illnesses on a global scale, mainly targeting sub-Saharan Africa, areas in Asia, and South America. Malaria is due to the Plasmodium parasite, which is spread to humans via the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes that are already infected. The WHO's reported an estimated 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 and 619,000 deaths. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/619-000-died-from-malaria-in-2021-who/2879979 Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is especially prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly 95% of global malaria cases occur. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria Malaria not only affects individuals' health but also severely impacts economies by reducing worker productivity, increasing healthcare costs, and straining healthcare infrastructure. The urban-dwelling Aedes mosquito is a main vector for the disease, and dengue fever is thus a major public health issue in highly populated regions. The increasing number of mosquito-borne illnesses is a major global health issue. Malaria, dengue, and Zika virus remain prevalent among millions of people across the globe, with intensifying impact mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. The increased demand for mosquito repellents indicates that the demand for efficient preventive measures to shield people from the dangers of these diseases has been on the rise. Therefore, increasing preva...

In 2021, there were around 16,211 confirmed cases of Lyme disease, making it the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through ticks. The most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. at that time was West Nile virus. This statistic displays the number of cases of notifiable vector-borne diseases in the U.S. in 2021, by disease. Vector-borne disease Vector-borne diseases are infectious human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses, or bacteria, and are transmitted through other living organisms called vectors, either between humans or from animal to human. Common vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and various types of flies. Mosquitoes cause the highest number of human deaths annually worldwide, as they transmit diseases such as malaria, West Nile virus, and Dengue. Lyme disease In the United States, the highest number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2022 was reported in New York. After a bite from an infected tick, if left untreated, the infection can spread through different body systems, causing a variety of potentially debilitating and chronic symptoms. When signs of the disease, such as EM rash, fever, and fatigue are recognized early on, antibiotics can combat the spread of the infection to complete recovery.

Malaria and Yellow fever. Image based mosquito species classification can be helpful to implement strategies to prevent the spread of mosquito borne disease. Automated mosquito species classification can aid in laborious and time consuming task of entomologists besides enhancing accuracy.

Gene Expression Assay dataThese data are associated with the gene expression experiment and were collected in the laboratory, initially entered into excel, and analyzed in SPSS IBM version 21. There are two worksheets associated with this excel file. The GeneExpressionAssay worksheet contains gene expression data from each treatment group. The MortalityData worksheet includes mosquito mortality across the 24 hr experiment.GeneExpressionAssay_Data_dryad.xlsMosquito Resistance Assay DataThe data from the mosquito resistance assay were collected in the lab, initially recorded in excel, and analyzed in SPSS IBM version 21. These data consist of two worksheets. The InVivoEcoliGrowth worksheet contains the average growth of Escherichia coli 24 hr post-injection with 0.2 uL of heat-killed E. coli. The MortalityData worksheet contains the mortality data associated with this experiment across 24 hr.MosquitoResistanceAssay_Data_dryad.xlsx

This layer contains the data of state level India Dengue 2015-2024 and contains information about number of dengue cases in 2023, number of dengue deaths in 2023, number of dengue cases in 2024, number of dengue deaths in 2024 etc.About Dengue:Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection, found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.The virus responsible for causing dengue, is called dengue virus (DENV). There are four DENV serotypes, meaning that it is possible to be infected four times.While many DENV infections produce only mild illness, DENV can cause an acute flu-like illness. Occasionally this develops into a potentially lethal complication, called severe dengue.The global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades. About half of the world's population is now at risk. There are an estimated 100-400 million infections each year.Dengue prevention and control depends on effective vector control measures. Sustained community involvement can improve vector control efforts substantially.SymptomsDengue should be suspected when a high fever (40°C/104°F) is accompanied by 2 of the following symptoms during the febrile phase:Severe headachePain behind the eyesMuscle and joint painsNauseaVomitingSwollen glandsRash. The attributes are given below for this web map:No. of Dengue Cases in 2015No. of Dengue Deaths in 2015No. of Dengue Cases in 2016No. of Dengue Deaths in 2016No. of Dengue Cases in 2017No. of Dengue Deaths in 2017No. of Dengue Cases in 2018No. of Dengue Deaths in 2018No. of Dengue Cases in 2019No. of Dengue Deaths in 2019No. of Dengue Cases in 2020No. of Dengue Deaths in 2020No. of Dengue Cases in 2021No. of Dengue Deaths in 2021No. of Dengue Cases in 2022No. of Dengue Deaths in 2022No. of Dengue Cases in 2023No. of Dengue Deaths in 2023No. of Dengue Cases in 2024(P)No. of Dengue Deaths in 2024(P)Source: https://ncvbdc.mohfw.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=431&lid=3715This web layer is offered by Esri India, for ArcGIS Online subscribers. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know via content@esri.in.

Africa is the region most affected by malaria in the world. The total number of reported deaths in the continent due to the disease was around 91,300 deaths in 2022, increasing slighly from 91,100 deaths thousand in the previous year. From a country perspective, the Democratic Republic of the Congo registered the highest amount of casualties, nearly 24,900 , followed by Angola, with some 12,500 deaths.

Data: Altered feeding behavior in mosquitoes and associated fitness parametersData includes life history data for a total of 921 individual mosquitoes, each numbered with a unique id number given in the first column. Feed.D4-Feed.D16 describe feeding compliance with -1 meaning offered a blood meal but not taken, 1 meaning offered and fed, and 0 meaning not offered a blood meal and, thus not fed. DOD represents day of death and is the day a mosquito was observed to die, counting day 0 as the first day of the experiment and 24 as the last day of the experiment. Natural.LH indicates whether a mosquito died naturally (1) or not (0). Dying unnaturally include deaths by experimental handling or escape from container. Wing length is the length of the right wing in mm. Immune and Feeding treatments indicate which experimental group the mosquito was placed in. Replicate indicates which of two experimental replicates the mosquito was in, with "5" taking place in Spring 2015, and "6" taking place ...

Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are a species of conservation concern and are highly susceptible to mortality from West Nile virus (WNV). Culex tarsalis, a mosquito species, is the suspected primary vector for transmitting WNV to sage-grouse. We captured, radio-tagged, and monitored female sage-grouse to estimate breeding season (April 15‒September 15) survival 2016-2017. Deceased sage-grouse were tested for active WNV; live captured and hunter harvested sage-grouse were tested for WNV antibody titers. Additionally, we trapped mosquitoes with CO2 baited traps 4 nights per week (542 trap nights) to estimate WNV minimum infection rate (MIR). Eight sage-grouse mortalities occurred during the WNV seasons of 2016 and 2017; 5 had recoverable tissue, and one of 5 tested positive for WNV infection. Survival varied temporally with sage-grouse biological seasons, not WNV seasonality. Survival was 0.68 (95% CI= 0.56–0.78; n=74) during the reproductive season (April 1−September 15). Mammalian predators were the leading suspected cause of mortality (40%), followed by unknown cause (25%), avian predation (15%), unknown predation (15%), and WNV (5%). These results indicate WNV was not a significant driver of adult sage-grouse survival during this study. Three sage-grouse (1.9%; 95% CI=0.5−5.9%) contained WNV antibodies. We captured 12,472 mosquitoes of which 3,933 (32%) were Culex tarsalis. Estimated WNV MIR of Culex tarsalis during 2016 and 2017 was 3.3 and 1.6, respectively. Our results suggest sage-grouse in South Dakota have limited exposure to WNV, and WNV was not a significant source of sage-grouse mortality in South Dakota during 2016 and 2017. Based on our finding that a majority of sage-grouse in South Dakota are susceptible to WNV infection, WNV could potentially have an impact on the population during an epizootic event; however, when WNV is at or near endemic levels, it appears to have little impact on sage-grouse
survival.

The success and sustainability of control measures aimed at reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases will depend on how they influence the fitness of mosquitoes in targeted populations. We investigated the effects of the microsporidian parasite Vavraia culicis on the survival, blood-feeding behaviour and reproductive success of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the main vector of dengue. Infection reduced survival to adulthood and increased adult female mosquito age-dependent mortality relative to uninfected individuals; this additional mortality was closely correlated with the number of parasite spores they harboured when they died. In the first gonotrophic cycle, infected females were less likely to blood-feed, took smaller meals when they did so, and developed fewer eggs than uninfected females. Even though the conditions of this laboratory study favoured minimal developmental times, the costs of infection were already being experienced by the time females reached an age at which they could first reproduce. These results suggest there will be selection pressure for mosquitoes to evolve resistance against this pathogen if it is used as an agent in a control program to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne human diseases.

The endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia pipientis (wMel strain) has been successfully established in several populations of Aedes aegypti, the primary dengue vector. The virulent Wolbachia strain wMelPop is known to cause several pathological impacts (increased egg mortality, life shortening, etc.) reducing overall fitness in the mosquito Ae. aegypti. Increased egg mortality could substantially reduce egg banks in areas with a lengthy monsoonal dry season, and be employed to eliminate local populations. We tested this application under semi-field cage conditions. First, we determined that wMelPop infection significantly reduced the survival of desiccation-resistant eggs of the dengue vector Ae. aegypti, with shade and temperature having a significant impact; nearly all wMelPop-infected eggs failed to hatch after 6 and 10 weeks in summer and winter conditions, respectively. In laboratory selection experiments we found that egg desiccation resistance can be increased by selection, and that t...

Diarrheal diseases and dengue fever are major global health problems resulting in millions of deaths every year and billions of people live in risk areas. In the Southeast Asian region both diseases are prevalent and infection rates are high. In communities where provision of clean water is inadequate, storage of water for domestic use is crucial. Fecal contamination of stored water is a common source of diarrhea. Stored water is also a potential breeding site for dengue mosquitoes. Little is known of the role of stored household water for the dual risk of diarrhea and dengue. The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to assess health risks associated with household water storage by identifying relationships between household water management, contaminated drinking water, and mosquito production in household water containers. The project will identify water management practices and key vector producing container types, quantify fecal contamination and its effect on mosquito production. Results will assist in development of integrated disease control strategies appropriate for the Southeast Asian region. The expected outputs of the project are: 1) Household water management practices in selected study communities identified; 2) Key container types i dentified from which the majority of Aedes aegypti emerge; 3) Total coliforms and E. coli detected and quantified in water stored in domestic containers; and 4) Relationship between coliform contamination of drinking water and mosquito production in house hold storage containers identified and quantified.