Presence of Aedes aegypti in a high-altitude area in Bolivia

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is currently widespread in Bolivia. Although these mosquitoes commonly inhabit tropical and subtropical areas at low altitudes, recent studies found them up to 2,500 meters above sea levels (m.a.s.l.). The studys objective was to identify the presence of the Ae. aegypti mosquito in urban areas with altitudes around 2,900 m.a.s.l. in Sucre, Bolivia. For this, ovitraps were installed at 12 points, and a morphological and taxonomic analysis was performed. The presence of mature and immature forms was confirmed in 3 of the 12 sampling points. Entomological indexes reported: House=13.64, Breteau= 27.27, dry containers= 43.55, containers with water =56.45. Reproductive populations of Ae. aegypti was confirmed to more than 2,900 m.a.s.l. in an urban area with a high migratory flow area. It increases the risk for autochthonous cases of Dengue Disease in the short term. Prevention and control strategies must be intensified to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.