P-75 First report of Aedes albopictus in Guyana

Methods: While conducting routine entomological surveillance at the homes of residents in Regions Seven and Nine in June 2025, immature mosquito specimens were collected from natural and artificial water holding containers using a dipper and pipettes. Five homes were inspected in the communities of Kamarang (Region Seven), St. Ignatius and Culvert City in (Region Nine), and four homes in Waramadong (Region Seven) and Lethem (Region Nine). Samples collected were stored in vials and transported back to the medical entomology laboratory, where they were reared to adults, pinned and identified morphologically using taxonomic keys.

Results: Sampling roadside puddles and artificial containers such as drums, buckets, tires, cover tops, food boxes and a discarded washing machine resulted in the collection of 175 larval samples. For the first time, we report the presence of the highly invasive Ae. albopictus mosquito in Guyana. Twenty three specimens were collected from Kamarang, 76 from Waramadong, 36 from culvert city, 33 from St. Ignatius and 7 from Central Lethem. This species represented 55% of the total samples collected which included Aedes aegypti, Aedes fluviatilis, Psorophora cingulata and Culex coronator.

Conclusion: This report confirms the introduction and likely establishment of Aedes albopictus in Guyana expanding its known distribution in South America . The species is a highly adaptable and invasive mosquito and a competent vector for several arboviruses of public health importance, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Its coexistence with Aedes aegypti raises concern for enhanced transmission potential. The detection of Ae. albopictus in domestic and peri-domestic environments underscores the need to integrate this species into national surveillance and vector control strategies. Future studies will document the spread of Ae. albopictus in Guyana and investigate its role in arboviral transmission in the country