The primary mosquito vector for dengue and yellow fever is which species?

The primary mosquito vector for dengue and yellow fever is which species?

• A. Culex quinquefasciatus
• B. Anopheles gambiae
• C. Aedes aegypti
• D. Mansonia uniformis

Answer: (C)

Dengue and yellow fever are transmitted most efficiently in urban settings by a mosquito that thrives around people, bites mainly during the day, and breeds in small, artificial water containers. That species is Aedes aegypti. Its close association with humans, indoors resting habits, and prolific breeding in household containers create frequent human–vector contact and rapid virus spread, making it the primary vector for these diseases in many regions. The other mosquitoes listed are important vectors for other diseases (for example, some Culex species transmit other viruses and filarial parasites, Anopheles gambiae is the main malaria vector, and Mansonia species are linked to different filarial transmissions), but they are not the main drivers of dengue and yellow fever transmission in urban settings.

Dengue and yellow fever are transmitted most efficiently in urban settings by a mosquito that thrives around people, bites mainly during the day, and breeds in small, artificial water containers. That species is Aedes aegypti. Its close association with humans, indoors resting habits, and prolific breeding in household containers create frequent human–vector contact and rapid virus spread, making it the primary vector for these diseases in many regions. The other mosquitoes listed are important vectors for other diseases (for example, some Culex species transmit other viruses and filarial parasites, Anopheles gambiae is the main malaria vector, and Mansonia species are linked to different filarial transmissions), but they are not the main drivers of dengue and yellow fever transmission in urban settings.