Aedes aegypti survey, inland areas, February 1983

Aedes aegypti is the recognised vector of the mosquito borne virus disease, dengue, in Australia. The recent epidemic of dengue in Queensland emphasises the need to know the possible occurence and distribution of Aedes aegypti in the Northern Territory. The previous Ae. aegypti survey of inland areas (February 1980) indicated the presence of this mosquito (as larvae only) in Larrimah, and it has subsequently been eradicated. As part of the continuing surveillance programme for this disease vector, an extensive survey of inland towns was conducted during February 1983. The survey extended as far south as Tennant Creek and eastwards to the Queensland/Northern Territory border, then along the Tablelands highway to Borroloola and finally along the Carpentaria highway, before returning to Darwin. A number of pastoral properties relatively close to the route were also surveyed