Dry Season Mosquito Breeding Ecology in the Sunyani Municipality, Bono Region, Ghana

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) remain a significant public health burden worldwide. This study aimed to survey mosquito breeding sites and assess larval distribution within the Sunyani Municipality, Bono Region, Ghana, to understand their potential contribution to disease transmission. A survey of mosquito breeding sites and larval sampling was conducted using a simple random sampling technique during the dry season (December 2019 to February 2020). Daily inspections of habitats were carried out between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. using the dipping method for larval collection. Mosquito breeding sites were identified based on standard guidelines, while larvae were morphologically identified using taxonomic keys. Anopheles larvae were predominantly found in natural wetlands (64%), followed by natural drains with partially clean water (19%), and burst or leaking water distribution pipelines (17%). Of the total positive mosquito breeding sites, 31%, 58%, and 11% were attributed to Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes, respectively. From the 1,555 larvae sampled, Culex accounted for the majority (53%), followed by Anopheles (32%) and Aedes (15%). The distribution of larvae across breeding sites indicates a potential impact on the prevalence of vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria and yellow fever, in the Municipality. During the dry season, mosquito breeding sites were primarily natural for Anopheles and anthropogenic for Culex and Aedes, highlighting the influence of environmental mismanagement and poor enforcement of sanitation regulations. There is an urgent need for extensive community education on the health risks associated with mosquito breeding sites. Integrated mosquito control measures, including larval source management, removal of breeding habitats, and larvicide application, should be prioritized as part of a comprehensive elimination program in the Municipality.