## Vector Identification **Key Point:** Aedes aegypti is the principal vector for dengue transmission globally and in India. It is a highly anthropophilic mosquito with a strong preference for human blood meals. ## Characteristics of Aedes aegypti | Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | **Habitat** | Urban and periurban areas; breeds in artificial containers (tyres, flower pots, water tanks) | | **Biting behavior** | Diurnal (daytime biter); peaks in early morning and late afternoon | | **Resting sites** | Indoor and peridomestic areas; prefers dark, humid corners | | **Anthropophily** | Highly anthropophilic; feeds almost exclusively on humans | | **Identification** | White markings on body and legs; lyre-shaped thoracic pattern | **High-Yield:** Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) is a secondary vector in some regions but is less efficient at dengue transmission than Aedes aegypti. **Clinical Pearl:** Control of Aedes aegypti through source reduction (eliminating breeding sites) and environmental sanitation is the cornerstone of dengue prevention in India. ## Why Other Vectors Are Not Primary Vectors - **Anopheles stephensi**: Malaria vector; not involved in dengue transmission - **Culex quinquefasciatus**: Filaria vector; does not transmit dengue - **Mansonia uniformis**: Filaria vector; not a dengue vector
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