Entomological Surveillance Associated with Human Zika Cases in Miri Sarawak, Malaysia

• Published in: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol. 102; no. 5; pp. 964 - 970
• Main Authors: Ali, Roziah, Azmi, Ruziyatul Aznieda, Wasi Ahmad, Nazni, Abd Hadi, Azahari, Muhamed, Khairul Asuad, Rasli, Rosilawati, Yoon Ling, Cheong, Anak Chua, Henry, Lian Wan, Kiew, Lee, Han Lim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Institute of Tropical Medicine 01.05.2020; The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Subjects: Adults; Aedes - virology; Animals; Culex - virology; Culicidae - virology; Female; Health surveillance; Humans; Malaysia - epidemiology; Male; Mosquito Vectors - virology; Mosquitoes; Population Surveillance; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Zika virus; Zika Virus Infection - epidemiology; Zika Virus Infection - etiology; Zika Virus Infection - transmission; Malaysia; Sarawak Malaysia
• ISSN: 0002-9637; 1476-1645
• DOI: 10.4269/AJTMH.19-0339

Two confirmed human cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) were reported in the district of Miri, Sarawak, in 2016. Following that, a mosquito-based ZIKV surveillance study was conducted within 200-m radius from the case houses. Mosquito surveillance was conducted using five different methods, that is, biogents sentinel mosquito (BG) sentinel trap, modified sticky ovitrap, resting catch, larval surveillance, and conventional ovitrap. A total of 527 and 390 mosquito samples were obtained from the case houses in two localities, namely, Kampung Lopeng and Taman Shang Ri La, Miri, Sarawak, respectively. All mosquitoes collected were identified, which consisted of 11 species. , both the adult and larval stages, was the dominant species. Resting catch method obtained the highest number of adult mosquitoes (67%), whereas ovitrap showed the highest catch for larval mosquitoes (84%). Zika virus was detected in both adults and larvae of together with adults of , and using the real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. It was noteworthy that positive with ZIKV were caught and obtained from four types of collection method. By contrast, and adults collected from sticky ovitraps were also found positive with ZIKV. This study reveals vital information regarding the potential vectors of ZIKV and the possibility of transovarian transmission of the virus in Malaysia. These findings will be essentials for vector control program managers to devise preparedness and contingency plans of prevention and control of the arboviral disease.