The objective of this research was to analyze the vector dynamics of mosquitoes in mangrove ecosystems in the Maracaibo metropolitan area, with an emphasis on their relationship with environmental factors and their relevance to public health. The study, which took an eco-epidemiological approach and used a mixed design (quantitative and documentary), focused on the coastal mangroves of Santa Rosa de Agua, Parque La Marina, and Vereda del Lago. The ecological component included larval sampling following WHO and CDC protocols and taxonomic identification. The results confirm the presence of two genera of Culicidae of sanitary importance: Aedes aegypti (56.7%) and Culex quinquefasciatus (43.3%). Regarding their ecological niches, the dominance of Aedes aegypti was associated with shaded ponds characterized by low salinity; in contrast, Culex quinquefasciatus was linked to eutrophic, polluted waters with low oxygen levels. It is concluded that the degraded mangroves of Maracaibo act as permanent reservoirs for arbovirus vectors (Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya–Lemus, 2022), which implies a sustained epidemiological risk for the surrounding communities. An Integrated Vector Management (IVM) model based on ecological restoration, biological control, and community education is recommended to reduce this risk and ensure health sustainability.
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- Article
Vector Dynamics of Mosquitoes in Mangrove Ecosystems of the Maracaibo Metropolitan Area: Ecoepidemiological Implications
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Received: 01 Dec 2025 | Revised: 23 Mar 2026 | Accepted: 07 Apr 2026 | Published: 30 Apr 2026
Abstract
Keywords
coastal mangroves | Culicidae | vectors | dengue | Zika | ecological imbalance
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