Understanding the oviposition cues for Rift Valley fever vectors for a better prediction and intervention of the disease in Kenya

This study works on the hypothesis that as mosquitoes acquire viruses from hosts during blood feeding, gravid mosquitoes because of their previous blood meal encounters are most likely to become infected, and a trap targeted towards them may be particularly helpful in surveillance.

Specifically, the project examines the determinants and cues used by gravid mosquito vectors to locate potential breeding sites, progress which is vital in the development of potent lures for gravid mosquitoes as a cost-efficient approach and for timely indicator of virus incursion/circulation.

Funding:

• Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)