Abstract:
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the vectors responsible for the transmission of dengue
viruses in Sri Lanka. Gampaha District has been ranked as the second most Dengue affected
area. Recently, health authorities have identified that over 54 percent of schools have dengue
mosquito breeding sites. However, the entomological information on the dengue vectors in
School premises are not available. Therefore, the present study was carried out to identify the
different breeding sites of dengue vector mosquitoes within school premises of randomly
selected schools in Gampaha District of Sri Lanka.
The premises of the selected schools (n= 34) were surveyed from May to October in 2016 for
the availability of potential breeding habitats and the presence of vector breeding through
entomological surveys. Collected vectors were identified morphologically and categorized inn
to species level. All data on breeding habitats and number of vectors identified were recorded.
According to survey, out of 34 schools surveyed; infested water-holding containers by Ae.
albopictus were observed at 16 schools (47, 05%). Tree holes (Bridelia retusa tree), leaf axils
of banana tree and fallen leaves were observed as natural breeding sites while, discarded plastic
food containers plastic paint containers, broken pet bottles, tire marks on the ground, water
retaining flower pots and plastic barrels were observed as artificial breeding sites. Breeding of
Ae. aegypti was not identified among the school premises surveyed. Improper management of
solid waste has affected positively in creating suitable habitats for vector breeding. Therefore,
continuous monitoring of dengue vector breeding habitats and school based vector controlling
interventions should be implemented through proper awareness and active participation for
eliminating breeding habitats.
