Which is the main vector of dengue fever?

The primary vector responsible for the transmission of dengue fever is the Aedes mosquitoes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes have a distinct tendency to thrive in urban environments, laying their eggs in standing water that can accumulate in containers, discarded tires, or other repositories around human habitation.

The reason they are particularly effective as vectors is due to their behavior and feeding patterns; they tend to bite during the daytime, which increases the likelihood of human-mosquito interactions compared to other types of mosquitoes that may be more active at dusk or night. Furthermore, Aedes mosquitoes are not only capable of transmitting dengue fever but also other viruses, such as Zika and chikungunya, making them a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions.

While Culex mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies are vectors for other diseases, they do not play a significant role in the transmission of dengue fever, distinguishing Aedes mosquitoes as the primary concern in the context of this viral infection.