Research reveals the good adaptation capacity of Aedes aegypti

It has been proven that, in winter, the incidence of insects is low, but the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus has a very high capacity for adaptation, according to the Butantan Institute, linked to the State Department of Health of São Paulo, responsible for researches.

Research at the Butantan Institute

The institute is responsible for scientific research. Located in São Paulo, it carried out research on the dengue mosquito, which lasted approximately 14 months, and was developed on the outskirts of the Butantan neighborhood, monitoring the evolution of the transmitter in all climatic seasons. According to the institute, eggs, pupae and larvae from 150 females were collected in six areas, in addition to taking into account the spaces for dispersion and evolution of insects in urban areas.

_{Institute responsible for research into the evolution of dengue (Photo: reproduction/CNNBrasil)}

Capabilities of the dengue mosquito

Sérgio Luz, researcher at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), reports that the mosquito has the ability to adapt to different environments, meaning that mosquito reproduction is constant at any time of the year, and can be present even in places that are not favorable to mosquitoes. species.

“The mosquito evolved along with urban man. It adapted to the environments created by man in a very effective way.”, says Maria Anice Mureb Sallum, professor of epidemiology at USP. There are three points in common in research by different experts who delve deeper into the case. They are: reproduction in contaminated water, expansion of circulation hours, occupation of areas unfavorable to the species.

In the past, females were observed laying eggs in clean waters, but currently there are breeding sites even in brackish waters, that is, salty waters, in abandoned boats, also accumulating rainwater. Given this scenario, we can conclude that the breeding site can be created by the man himself and we see the importance of following the recommendations of health professionals.

Just as the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus laid eggs only in clean water, they used to circulate during the day, the second characteristic being changed in the behavior of aedes. With climate adaptation, they circulate at any time due to the constant hot days, observes Sérgio Luz, a researcher at Fiocruz Amazônia.

Mosquitoes like bright places and artificial lighting helps mosquito circulation, especially at night. But, despite changes in habits Aedes, The greatest probability of being bitten is during the day.

Featured Photo: Aedes aegyptimosquito that transmits dengue fever (Photo: reproduction/journaldaUSP)