A district vector control team plans source reduction for dengue prevention. Which biological characteristic of Aedes aegypti makes source reduction in and around houses particularly effective?
- A It breeds in polluted stagnant water in open drains
- B It breeds in clean water stored in domestic containers and rarely flies beyond about 100 metres ✓
- C It bites primarily at night indoors
- D Its larvae survive in brackish coastal water
Correct answer: B. It breeds in clean water stored in domestic containers and rarely flies beyond about 100 metres
Explanation
Aedes aegypti is a domestic, day-biting mosquito that prefers clean water in man-made containers such as tyres, coolers, flower vases and storage drums, and its flight range is short, roughly up to 100 metres. Because breeding sites lie within or near homes, emptying and cleaning these containers breaks transmission effectively. It does not breed in polluted drains, which is the niche of Culex, and it bites during daytime, not night.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.