Abstract Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), while Aedes albopictus is considered a potential vector for these arboviruses. Therefore, monitoring the spatial and temporal distribution of these vectors through entomovirological surveillance is essential. This study aimed to conduct entomovirological monitoring of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus populations in newly established housing areas in eastern Maranhão, Brazil. Eggs and adults were collected monthly for one year across residential complexes comprising approximately 3,000 households. Detection of DENV, ZIKV, and CHIKV was performed using real‑time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). A total of 122,378 Aedes spp. eggs were collected. The Ovitrap Positive Index (OPI) varied across locations, with similar averages (71.0%, 67.6%, and 67.9%), and higher values recorded from February to May. The Egg Density Index (EDI) showed pronounced variation, reaching a peak of 376.1. A total of 304 adult mosquitoes were collected, of which 205 were Ae. aegypti (67.43%). Heat maps indicated wide distribution of mosquitoes across the three study areas, with higher densities and hotspots during the rainy months. No arboviruses were detected in the analyzed female pools. The study demonstrated the population dynamics of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in new housing developments and confirmed the effectiveness of ovitraps in estimating vector density, with an overall OPI of 68.83%.
Ribeiro et al. (Wed,) studied this question.