Arbovirus Infections in Sarawak: Observations on Mosquitoes in the Premonsoon Period, September To December 1966

Abstract

The adult populations of rice field mosquitoes in Sarawak were surveyed during the onset of the NE Monsoon, and at the time of padi planting (September–December). A considerable increase in the population of Culex tritaeniorhynchus was observed during this period, and this is attributed to the decrease in rainfall intensity [mm (in.) per hour] associated with the onset of the monsoon. Biting studies were carried out, and C. tritaeniorhynchus was found to feed predominantly on pigs and fowl, while C. gelidus was most commonly caught biting pigs and buffaloes. Man was frequently bitten by C. tritaeniorhynchus and C. pseudovishnui, but overall, was much less attractive than other animal bait. A total of 88,000 mosquitoes was collected and processed for virus isolation.