Anopheline mosquito species composition, density, longevity and malaria prevalence around Gilgel-Gibe area, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Ethiopia has recently constructed dams to produce electricity, irrigate farmlands and control flood to reduce poverty and sustain economic growth, this may result in elevated malaria transmission. In this paper, we investigate the effects of a mega hydropower dam on Anopheles mosquito species composition, density, longevity and malaria prevalence. Method: Longitudinal entomological study was conducted from June –December 2013 in two kebeles (four villages) in Tiro Afeta district, jimma zone Southwest Ethiopia. The two kebeles are; Koticha Gibe, which is located near Gilgel Gibe hydroelectric dam and Decha Nadi, located away from the dam. Anopheline mosquitoes were collected using CDC light trap catches and pyrethrum spray catches. In addition retrospective parasitological study was conducted from June-December 2013. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 statistical package. Descriptive statistics and student t-test were used during analysis and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statically significant.