The first record of the invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus in Yemen

Abstract

The invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus is regarded as a public health threat due to its ability to transmit pathogens such as dengue and chikungunya viruses, its wide range of hosts, and its ecological plasticity. Aedes albopictus has already invaded parts of the Middle East region and further expansion is expected. Twenty-two sites in three districts of Yemen (Al Ghaydha, Hawf, and Sayhout) were screened for the presence of mosquitoes. We surveyed water bodies and containers, and deployed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Biogents Sentinel (BG) traps, spray catches, and aspiration for adult collection. Aedes albopictus was recorded for the first time in Yemen in September 2023, during routine surveillance in Al Mahrah Governorate. Adults and immature stages of Ae. albopictus were identified in Hawf, a city 17 m above sea level in the easternmost part of the Governorate of Al Mahrah, which is located less than 8 km from the border with Oman. Our findings showed that Ae. albopictus adults were coexisting with both Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi in the same location and occupying the same containers with Ae. aegypti with a ratio of 1:2. This is the first report on the presence of Ae. albopictus in Yemen. The proximity, ongoing human activity and transportation exchanges between Al Mahrah and Oman may have played a role in the introduction of this species. Intensive efforts should be undertaken to monitor and manage Ae. albopictus spread in the country, in addition to coordinating cross-border surveillance with Oman. The presence of both Aedes spp. vectors together highlights the need for surveillance for associated diseases and consideration of countermeasures.

Keywords

• First record
• Aedes albopictus
• Invasive species
• Al Mahrah
• Yemen