First record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bolivar State and epidemiological implications

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus Skuse is reported for the first time from Bolivar Sate. Adult females were caught using human landing catches and Mosquito Magnet (R) traps while larvae were collected from artificial and natural containers, at 2 localities in the Caura river basin, Sucre Municipality, between July and November 2014. The results suggest that this species is well established in the study area, a finding which has serious epidemiological implications due to its competence as a vector of the 4 serotypes of dengue virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, mayaro and a further 20 arboviruses. It is vital that entomological surveillance is continued and extended in the Caura river basin to determine the areas colonized by Ae. albopictus and/or Ae. (Ste.) aegypti (L.), and strategies implemented to eliminate artificial larval habitats in order to stop the invasion of these important public health species.