ENTOMOLOGICAL SURVEY ACROSS THE THREE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS IN EDO STATE
The Arboviral Unit of the Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health, in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Health and the National Arboviral and Vectors Research Centre, Enugu, conducted an entomological survey across five selected Local Government Areas in the three senatorial districts of Edo State from 28 September to 12 October 2025. The initiative combined statewide training of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) officers across all 18 LGAs with field-based mosquito surveillance, habitat mapping, and community sensitization activities to strengthen evidence-based vector control.
Undertaken in response to the confirmed dengue outbreak in July 2025 and the persistent burden of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, and malaria, the survey assessed mosquito species composition, breeding ecology, and habitat distribution across diverse ecological settings. Adult mosquito collections were conducted using BG-Sentinel and CDC light traps, alongside systematic larval and pupal sampling in natural and artificial breeding sites, including tyres, plastic containers, tree holes, and drainage systems. Predominant species identified included Anopheles spp., Aedes spp., and Culex spp., with container habitats contributing significantly to larval indices.
Despite operational challenges such as heavy rainfall and variable attractant performance, the survey enhanced surveillance capacity through standardized training and practical field exercises. The findings emphasize the need for targeted larval source management, optimized sampling logistics, strengthened laboratory identification capacity, and sustained community engagement to support integrated vector management and reduce mosquito-borne disease risk in Edo State.
