Need for Strict Adherence to International Health Regulations - Entomological Surveillance at Mangalore International Airport

Abstract

Introduction: India, being a receptive area for yellow fever (YF), has been enforcing vector control measures to keep its international seaports, airports, and ground crossings between nations free from Stegomyia(Aedes) mosquitoes to prevent any possible introduction of YF in the country. To comply with the International Health Regulations (IHR) concerned with maintaining Stegomyia free zone in and around Points of Entry (PoE),entomological surveillance was carried out under the aegis of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Calicut, (Kerala branch)in and around the International airport, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Method: In order to assess the seasonal variation of Stegomyiaprevalence, vector surveillance was carried out during two successive seasons i.e., first during May 2019 (pre-monsoon) and second during October 2019 (post-monsoon). The entomological surveillance was done using a structured container data format, vector prevalence study, direct observation, interviewing inhabitants and imparting awareness. Results: In pre-monsoon, no Stegomyia breeding sites could be located inside the airport, while below critical level Stegomyia larval indices were found in the peripheral areas. In the post-monsoon study, high-level Stegomyia larval indices were noticed inside the airport. In the peripheral areas, as in the case of pre-monsoon observation, below critical level indices were observed. Conclusion: The Stegomyia larval indices were high inside the airport during post-monsoon surveillance. This necessitates regular vector surveillance, periodic assessment and vector control activities to prevent vector-borne diseases in and around the airport.