## Vector Identification **Key Point:** Aedes aegypti is the principal urban vector for all three arboviruses: dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. ### Characteristics of Aedes aegypti - **Habitat:** Peridomestic and urban environments; breeds in stagnant water (flower pots, discarded containers, tyres) - **Feeding behaviour:** Anthropophilic (prefers human blood); diurnal (peaks at dawn and dusk) - **Geographic distribution:** Tropical and subtropical regions; highly adapted to human settlements - **Identification:** Small dark mosquito with white markings on legs and body (lyre-shaped pattern on thorax) ### Comparison of Vectors | Mosquito | Primary Disease | Habitat | Activity | |----------|-----------------|---------|----------| | **Aedes aegypti** | Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika | Urban, peridomestic | Diurnal | | Anopheles stephensi | Malaria | Semi-urban, rural | Nocturnal | | Culex quinquefasciatus | Japanese encephalitis, Filaria | Urban, rural | Nocturnal | | Mansonia uniformis | Japanese encephalitis | Rural, aquatic | Nocturnal | **High-Yield:** The presence of Aedes aegypti in a region is a strong epidemiological indicator for risk of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika transmission. All three viruses are transmitted through the same vector in India. **Clinical Pearl:** Control of Aedes aegypti breeding sites (source reduction) is the cornerstone of prevention for all three arboviruses in endemic areas.
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