Winter refuge for Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in Hanoi during Winter.

Abstract

Dengue occurs throughout the year in Hanoi, Vietnam, despite winter low temperatures 14°C, exceeding the developmental zero point of Ae. aegypti. Although jars, drums and concrete tanks were the dominant containers previously (1994-97) in Hanoi, currently the percentage of residences with concrete tanks was still high while jars and drums were quite low. Our study showed that concrete tanks with broken lids allowing mosquitoes access were important winter refuge for Ae. aegypti. We also indicate a concern about concrete tanks serving as foci for Ae. aegypti to expand their distribution in cooler regions.