Aedes aegypti mosquito is an important vector of dengue and Zika virus. Which biological feature makes it more dangerous in urban settings compared to Anopheles mosquitoes?
- A It breeds in large stagnant water bodies like ponds and tanks
- B It is anthropophilic (prefers human blood), bites during the day, and breeds in small artificial water containers around houses ✓
- C It is primarily a forest-dwelling mosquito requiring rural control strategies
- D It requires 3–4 weeks to complete its life cycle, slowing epidemic spread
Explanation
Aedes aegypti is a peridomestic, strongly anthropophilic mosquito that bites during daylight hours (morning and late afternoon), in contrast to the predominantly crepuscular/nocturnal Anopheles. It breeds in artificial containers holding small amounts of clean water (discarded tyres, flower pots, water storage containers, air cooler trays) commonly found around urban homes. This peri-domestic breeding behaviour makes indoor and peridomestic source reduction (removing water containers) the most effective control measure, and explains the explosive urban spread of dengue during monsoon season.
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.