## Vector Identification **Key Point:** Aedes aegypti is the principal vector for dengue virus transmission in urban and periurban areas across India and most tropical/subtropical regions. ### Characteristics of Aedes aegypti | Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | **Habitat** | Artificial water containers (tyres, flower pots, coolers, tanks) in and around human habitations | | **Biting behaviour** | Diurnal (day-biting), anthropophilic (prefers human blood) | | **Resting sites** | Dark corners indoors, under furniture | | **Breeding** | Requires clean, stagnant water; breeds in small collections | | **Flight range** | Limited to 40–100 metres from breeding site | **High-Yield:** Aedes aegypti is also the vector for yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya in India. ### Why Other Vectors Are Not Primary Dengue Vectors - **Anopheles species** (stephensi, culicifacies): Primarily malaria vectors; nocturnal feeders; breed in larger water bodies - **Culex quinquefasciatus**: Filariasis vector; nocturnal; breeds in polluted water **Clinical Pearl:** Dengue epidemics in Indian cities correlate with monsoon and post-monsoon periods when Aedes breeding sites proliferate due to water stagnation. ## Epidemiological Significance The urban-adapted nature of Aedes aegypti makes dengue a disease of cities and towns, unlike malaria which is more rural. Control measures focus on source reduction (eliminating breeding sites) rather than insecticide spraying alone.
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