IDENTIFICATION OF AEDES AEGYPTI (L) AND AEDES ALBOPICTUS (SKUSE) BREEDING HABITATS IN DENGUE ENDEMIC SITES IN KUALA LUMPUR FEDERAL TERRITORY AND SELANGOR STATE, MALAYSIA

In 2015, fifteen surveillances for larvae of dengue vectors, Aedes aegypti (L.) and Ac. albopictus (Skuse), were conducted in localities, which had dengue outbreaks in 2014 and 2015. The surveillances covered both indoor and outdoor of premises and the surroundings of the locality. All artificial and natural containers holding stagnant water were inspected for the presence of immature larvae. House index (HI) in all 4 localities exceeded the threshold value to implementation of dertgue vector control. Taman Sungai Jelok (TSJ), Selangor, had the highest HI, container index and the highest larval density per surveillance and per hectare. The larval productivity was higher in outdoor containers, irrespective of outdoor of premises or in the general surrounding of the localities. Ae. aegypti was found equally breeding in indoor and outdoor artificial containers. However, Ac. albopictus was the dominant breeder in the outdoor artificial containers, 2.34-fold higher than Ac. aegypti. There is an insignificant Ac. albopictus population in the indoors. Plastic containers, flower pots, vases and tires were key receptacles. A very significant finding was that both vectors were found in a concrete drain holding stagnated clear water in TSJ. As for natural containers, yam, bromeliad plants and a Terminalia cutup pa tree hole (containing both vectors) were key receptacles. These findings will be useful in promoting awareness in the Malaysian Ministry of Health vector control personnel and residents on dengue vectors breeding habitats and the need for their eradication.