Identification and Spatial Distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus populations in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil between 2013 and 2023

Diseases caused by mosquito-borne pathogens have spread globally, posing a growing threat to public health. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of breeding sites and properties that were positive for the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the health macro-regions of Santa Catarina, between 2013 and 2023, seeking to identify seasonal and geographic occurrence patterns to support vector control strategies. This is an ecological study with secondary data provided by the Diretoria de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Estado de Santa Catarina (DIVE, State of Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Directorate), tabulated by year and macro-region, including mosquito samples grouped by property and breeding site category. Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed, followed by Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner multiple comparisons - DSCF. The analysis revealed that 5.78% of the populations were of Aedes albopictus and 94.22% of Aedes aegypti. The macro-region with the most Aedes aegypti populations was the Grande Oeste, and the most critical year was 2023. The Planalto Norte and Nordeste had the highest concentration of Aedes albopictus, peaking in 2022. Commercial and residential properties were the most affected. The disparities observed between macro-regions, years, and species suggest that regional and temporal factors play an important role in the distribution of mosquitoes.

Key words
Aedes; Communicable diseases; Mosquito control; Mosquito vectors