Abstract

MARIN RODRIGUEZ, Rodrigo et al. First finding of Aedesalbopictus Skuse in the the GreaterMetropolitan Area of Costa Rica. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2014, vol.23, n.1, pp.01-04. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objective: To report the first finding of Aedes albopictus in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica. Methods: Mosquito immature stages collected in the neighborhood La Carpio, District Uruca, San José, as part of an epidemiological intervention were diagnosed preliminarily as Ae. albopictus. This material was fixed in 70 % alcohol, cleared in lactophenol, and taxonomically evaluated using specialized dichotomous keys. Results: Larvae and pupae were collected from two types of breeding sites, a can and a bucket. The characteristics of the specimens allowed their taxonomic identification as Ae. albopictus. This is the first report of the presence of this vector in Costa Rica. Discussion: The presence of Ae. albopictus in the Greater Metropolitan Area occurs as part of the expansion of this vector throughout the country. This presence should be investigated to determine its possible role in the transmission of dengue. On the other hand, the presence of this vector complicates the management of entomological surveillance for dengue, because thus far it has been primarily aimed at the identification and control of Aedes aegypti.

Keywords : Dengue; Aedes; Culicidae; Costa Rica.

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