D3335: Cemeteries as sources of Aedes aegypti and other mosquito species in southeastern Puerto Rico

Multiple studies have demonstrated the role of cemeteries as sources of Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes that transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses in urban and rural environments. Cemeteries offer habitats for adult mosquitoes to lay eggs and feed (fresh flowers, flowerpots and open or broken flooded tombs), and for immatures to develop. In this study, we investigated the types of containers with water present in cemeteries and the mosquito species inhabiting them in Puerto Rico. We conducted surveys in 16 cemeteries located in the southeast region of the island to identify the most common and productive containers and to detect the presence of larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti and other species of mosquitoes. We found that flowerpots were the most common and productive containers (positive for larvae and pupae: 42.2%; negative: 50.3%), followed by discarded containers (positive: 2.0%; negative: 2.9%) and open tombs (positive: 1.2%; negative: 1.2%). The mosquito community was composed of nine species belonging to four genera with Ae. aegypti and Ae. mediovittatus being the most frequent and abundant species. Given that surveyed cemeteries were important sources of Ae. aegypti and other mosquitoes, we recommended conducting quarterly inspections and applying mosquito control to reduce mosquito productivity and protect workers and visitors from mosquito bites and possible transmission of arboviruses.