POTENTIAL ZIKA VIRUS VECTORS OF KAUGAMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Ahmed, U.A.

Department of Biological Science,

Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, Nigeria          

Email: umaradamuahmed@gmail.com 

ABSTRACT

The Zika virus strain responsible for the outbreak in Brazil has been detected in Africa for the first time. This information will help African countries to re-evaluate their level of risk and adopt increase their levels of preparedness. These should include the study of potential vectors responsible for the disease. Identification of potential Zika virus vectors in Kaugama revealed the presence of five species of Aedes mosquito, Aedes furcifer 109 (19.46%), A. aegypti 92 (16.43%), A. africanus 132 (23.57%), A. albopictus 112 (20.00%) and A. taylori 115 (20.54%). Aedes africanus was the most abundant species encountered. Analysis of species abundance showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The abundance of the vectors was suggested to be due to large number of breeding places in the study area and probably improper mosquito control. Detection of Zika virus from the collected vectors is of great importance, serological detection of specific antibodies against Zika virus from the inhabitants is valuable tool to prove them as vectors and it is good to eradicate the potential vectors from the area.

Keywords: Kaugama, Potential, Species, Vectors, Zika virus