Entomological surveillance on Aedes aegypti during covid 19 period in Cape Coast, Ghana: Risk of arboviral outbreaks, multiple insecticide resistance and distribution of F1534C, V410L and V1016I kdr mutations.

The study found the risk of an outbreak of Aedes-borne diseases lower in the covid-19 lockdown period than before the pandemic period. The low risk was related to frequent clean-up exercises in the community during the Covid-19 restriction period. Multiple insecticide resistance couple with three kdr mutations detected in the study population could affect the effectiveness of control measures, especially in emergency situations. The study supports sanitation improvement as a tool to control Ae. aegypti and could complement insecticide-based tools in controlling this vector.