Early Wet Season Distribution of Anopheles Mosquitoes in Keffi Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors of Plasmodium species, the causative agent of malaria, and a major cause of death in tropical Africa. The distribution of Anopheles species in time and space is a function of ecological factors in a given habitat. This study investigated the distribution of anopheles mosquitoes in the early wet season of 2017, in Keffi Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Mosquito’s collection was carried out in four locations in the study area using two methods: Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) and Centre for Disease Control (CDC) light traps. Indoor and outdoor mosquitoes were collected. All mosquitoes collected were morphologically identified using standard procedures. A total of 973 mosquitoes were collected and identified. This comprised culicines 742 (76%) and anophelines 231 (23%). There was a progressive increase in number of anophelines from April 93 (40.3%) to May 138 (59.2%). Four species of Anopheles mosquitoes were identified in the study area: An.gambiae 221 (95.7%). An.coustani 7 (3.0%), An.squamosus 2(0.9%) and An.pharoensis 1(0.4%).More Anopheles mosquitoes collected showed a statistical significant difference between the 2 months and between indoors and outdoors collection (P<0.05). These findings show the presence of the vector of malaria in the study area during the early wet season and recommends early vector control before and during the season to reduce incidence of malaria in Keffi area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria.