| dc.description.abstract | Mosquitoes play a critical role in transmitting diseases, and their distribution can have implications for public health. As such, there is need to document which species occurs at the university campus in order to understand their ecology and provide insights into potential disease transmission dynamics. This study aimed to identify the mosquito species and their prevalence in different habitats across the university campus. It also examined the impact of environmental factors on mosquito populations. The Carbon dioxide baited CDC light traps were used during field surveys. Three mosquito species (Aedes sp, Culex sp and Anopheles sp) were recorded and the results revealed variations in species composition across different collection sites, suggesting differences in ecosystems within the university. Culex sp. was found to be the most abundant, possibly due to the presence of stagnant polluted water, which serves as its preferred larval habitats. Aedes species was e captured in low numbers, potentially due to their low abundance or lack of attraction to the trapping methods used. The distribution of mosquito species varied; Culex sp. was the most widely distributed, followed by Anopheles gambiae, Anopheles funestus and Aedes sp., which exhibited the least distribution. Additionally, the results showed that female mosquitoes had significantly higher abundances than male mosquitoes. The findings indicate a risk of transmission several mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, encephalitis, filariasis and avian malaria (caused by parasites vectored by the Culex sp), human malaria (caused by parasites vectored by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus), and yellow fever (caused by parasites vectored by Aedes sp). The variations in mean abundances of mosquitoes across different sites are attributed to habitat characteristics, availability and quality of breeding sites, human activities, climate, and control measures. The study highlights the need for additional research and targeted control measures based on specific mosquito behaviors and habitats to effectively manage mosquito populations and mitigate disease transmission risks within the university. | en_US |
