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The Existence of Mosquito Vectors in the Hospital Environment
Varissa Salsabila
1
, Mifbakhuddin
1
, Didik Sumanto
2,3*
, Sayono
2,3
1
Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Indonesia
2
Department of Epidemiology, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Indonesia
3
Magister of Public Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Indonesia
*Corresponding Author
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800110
Received: 08 Aug 2025; Accepted: 27 Aug 2025; Published: 11 September 2025
ABSTRACT
Background: Indonesia has a tropical climate favorable for insect populations. Vector-borne diseases pose a
significant threat. Mosquitoes are a major vector in the transmission of dengue fever, malaria, and Zika
through their bites. This study aims to determine the presence of mosquito larvae in the hospital environment,
considering physical factors and breeding characteristics as a preventive measure against the spread of vector-
borne diseases. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was chosen for this study. A purposive sample
was taken at a hospital in Klaten Regency, Central Java Province. The observations were conducted from July
to August 2025. Data obtained through observation, interviews, and laboratory tests are used to identify
mosquito larvae. Results: The existence of mosquito larvae in the hospital was 28.6% of the observation sites,
with adult mosquitoes found at all observation points. Physical and chemical vector control measures were
implemented at all sites, while biological control measures were only implemented at one observation site.
Conclusion: The existence of mosquito larvae in hospitals is high, more frequently found in locations with
substandard temperature and lighting conditions, in cement containers, made from cement, with dark gray
interior walls, and in containers without lids.
Keywords: mosquito larvae, mosquitoes, hospital vectors, mosquito breeding sites
INTRODUCTION
Indonesia has a tropical climate, so it is home to many diverse animal species, some of which can transmit,
move, or become sources of disease, known as vectors (1). Vectors are a group of insects that carry and
transmit microorganisms that cause vector-borne diseases that have the potential to cause epidemics (2).
Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and Zika, spreading viruses and
parasites through their bites (3,4). Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the primary causes of
dengue fever (5). Environmental factors strongly influence dengue fever transmission. The more open water
reservoirs, such as bathtubs, can increase the population of larvae that develop into mosquitoes, so the
presence of water reservoirs in the home environment can affect larval density (6).
One of the factors that greatly influences the emergence of disease is the environment. As long as conditions
are favorable, the cause and spread of disease will continue. Vector control methods must consider various
factors, including physical, biological, and chemical environmental factors, as well as socio-cultural factors in
the community. Physical environment factors include weather, temperature, humidity, altitude, sanitation,
wind influences, and breeding habitats. Chemical factors include the use of mosquito repellent in the
community. Biological factors include the use of animals that prey on mosquitoes and larvae. Socio-cultural
factors include community knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and actions. Another aspect that cannot be ignored
is the vector itself with all its characteristics (7).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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Vector control is a preventative measure to prevent the presence of disease vectors in the hospital environment
(8). Vector control in hospitals involves chemical control, traps and baits, and maintaining regular sanitation of
the hospital environment (9). Vector control in the hospital environment is very important because it can pose
a risk to the health of patients, staff, and visitors. Transmitted infections, damage to medical equipment, and
decreased comfort are some of the problems that can arise if vector control is not carried out effectively (10).
METHOD
This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample was determined purposively at a hospital
in Klaten Regency, Central Java Province. Observations were conducted between July and August 2025. Data
were collected through observation, interviews, and laboratory tests to identify mosquito larvae. Fourteen
observation points were located in hospital areas with water reservoirs or standing water, both indoors and
outdoors. The instruments used were questionnaires and observation sheets. Univariate analysis was conducted
to explore the characteristics of each observation variable, while bivariate analysis was conducted to examine
the relationship between the study variables. Categorical variables were demonstrated using the chi-square test
with a 5% error rate.
RESULTS
Adult mosquitoes were found at all observation sites, while larvae were found at 28.6% of sampling sites. The
type of mosquito found in both the larval and adult stages is Culex sp (Figure 1). The number of larvae found
ranged from 1 to 12 at each site (Table 1).
Figure 1. The finding of Culex sp larvae (A) and male adult (B)
Table 1. Breeding place characteristics in sampling sites
Variable
Frequency
Percentage (%)
Sampling site
5
35.7
9
64.3
Temperature (°C)
5
35.7
9
64.3
Air humidity
2
14.3
12
85.7
A
B
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Lighting
5
35.7
9
64.3
Adult mosquitoes existing
14
100
Container type
4
28.6
6
42.9
2
14.3
1
7.1
1
7.1
Container material
1
7.1
8
57.1
4
28.6
1
7.1
Interior wall color
5
35.7
1
7.1
5
35.7
3
21.4
Container cover existence
6
42.9
8
57.1
Breeding place existence
14
100
Physical control
14
100
Biology control
13
92.9
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1
7.1
Chemical control
14
100
Mosquito-nest eradication
14
100
Abatization
14
100
Keeping predatory fish
14
100
Mosquito larvae presence
4
28.6
10
71.4
Number of larvae
10
71.4
1
7.1
1
7.1
1
7.1
1
7.1
Vector control frequency
5
35.7
8
57.1
1
7.1
Environmental conditions that do not meet the requirements, whether in terms of temperature, humidity, or
lighting, will be more favorable for the development of mosquito larvae (Table 2).
Table 2. Presence of mosquito larvae and characteristics of physical factors
Variable
Larvae existence
Yes
No
Temperature
Not qualify
4
1
Qualify
0
9
Air humidity
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Not qualify
0
2
Qualify
4
8
Lighting
Not qualify
1
7
Qualify
3
3
Based on container type, larvae were most commonly found in cement tanks. Based on the container material,
larvae were found in concrete and cement. In terms of interior wall color, larvae were more frequently found in
dark gray containers and those without lids (Table 3).
Table 3. Presence of larvae and characteristics of broodstock
Variable
Larvae existence
Yes
No
Container type
Cement tub
3
1
Dispenser
0
6
Plastic bucket
0
2
Gutter
1
0
Sink
0
1
Container material
Concrete
1
0
Plastic
0
8
Cement
3
1
Stainless Steel
0
1
Interior wall colour
Dark grey
4
1
Light grey
0
1
Bright blue
0
5
Bright green
0
3
Container cover existence
No
3
3
Yes
1
7
The only sampling location that used a biological vector control system found mosquito larvae (Figure 2).
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Figure 2. Existence of larvae based on vector control location
Breeding areas inspected more than once a week are at high risk of finding mosquito larvae. Findings indicate
that monthly inspections of certain areas lead to the discovery of mosquito larvae (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Existence of larvae based on vector control frequencies
The results showed that mosquito larvae were more prevalent in locations that did not implement biological
control, did not use abatement, and did not raise predatory fish. In terms of control frequency, locations that
implemented weekly controls proved most effective, as no larvae were found in all sites.
DISCUSSION
Presence of Mosquito Larvae in the Hospital
Of the 14 containers examined at various locations in the hospital, four tested positive for larvae and 10 tested
negative. The larvae and adult mosquitoes found were Culex sp. Assuming the hospital complex is a
residential community, with each sampling location representing each building, the Container Index value is
28.57%, far exceeding the WHO tolerance threshold of 5%. Therefore, these findings indicate the hospital is at
high risk of becoming a vector-borne disease transmission medium. According to Indonesian national
standards, the habitat index for Culex sp. larvae is less than 5, while the findings from the four sampling
locations ranged from 1 to 12 larvae.
4
3
1
4 4 4 4
10 10
0
10 10 10 10
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Yes No Yes Yes Tes No No
Physical
control
Biological control Chemical
control
Mosquito
nest
eradication
Abatization Predator
fish
husbandry
Number of sites
Larvae existence Yes Larvae existence No
4
0
0
1
1
8
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Monthly
Daily
Weekly
Number of sampling sites
Larvae existence No Larvae existence Yes
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Mosquitoes larvae existence and physical factors
Five locations, representing 35.7% of the sample sizes, experienced substandard room temperatures (Table 1).
Mosquito larvae were found in four of the five sampling locations. These results align with previous research
that found a significant relationship between room temperature and dengue fever cases triggered by the
presence of mosquito vectors (p = 0.0001) (11). An interesting phenomenon was discovered, where no
mosquito larvae were found in rooms with suboptimal humidity, while mosquito larvae were found in rooms
with adequate humidity. This finding aligns with previous research, which found that locations with optimal
humidity have the potential to harbor more mosquito larvae (74.2%), compared to houses with no humidity
(66.7%) (12). Lighting at five sampling locations (5.7%) did not meet standards. Mosquito larvae were more
prevalent in the lit area. While lighting levels are not directly related to the transmission of vector-borne
diseases, they do provide a different environment for the vectors to live in. A research report also stated that
there was no correlation between lighting and the incidence of dengue fever in Pontianak City (p > 0.05) (13).
The presence of mosquito larvae and characteristics of breeding sites
The larvae were found in cement tubs and gutters. Culex sp larvae prefer to live in stagnant water that is
directly connected to the ground or in containers that have been neglected for a long time, resulting in the
water being dirtier and mixed with soil particles. This condition can be found in several places with
contaminated groundwater, such as gutters, clogged drains, septic tanks, shallow ponds, tree holes, and dirty
water reservoirs (14). Mosquito larvae were found in concrete and cement containers, but not in plastic and
stainless steel containers. While this is somewhat difficult to explain, similar findings have been reported (14).
The most common container wall colors were dark gray and light blue. The dark gray interior walls were the
color of containers where mosquito larvae were found. Generally, mosquitoes prefer dark colors as egg-laying
sites over light colors. There was a significant correlation between container color and the presence of
mosquito larvae in an area (p= 0.047) (14). Containers without lids will become breeding grounds for adult
mosquitoes, increasing the chance of finding mosquito larvae. This aligns with the mosquito development
cycle, which requires water for egg hatching and the larval and pupal stages. The role of the cover on this
water reservoir is crucial, as it will impact its role as a breeding ground for mosquito larvae (14).
Mosquito larvae control efforts in hospitals
Mosquito larvae were more frequently found at sampling locations where biological control, abatement, and
the use of predatory fish were not implemented. This was evident in all sampling locations where larvae were
found, where none of these three methods were implemented. In terms of control frequency, locations that
conducted weekly controls proved most effective, as no larvae were found in all of them. The gonotrophic
cycle of Culex sp. is approximately 1-2 weeks (15), so checking containers once a week is the best option (16).
This means that before the mosquito eggs hatch, the containers are cleaned again, preventing larvae from being
found and interrupting the mosquito gonotrophic cycle (17).
CONCLUSION
Mosquito larvae in hospitals remain at a relatively high level, necessitating increased weekly monitoring
efforts. Sampling locations with physical, biological, and chemical conditions conducive to mosquito vector
breeding in hospital areas requires increased attention. Integrated vector control must be implemented as a
comprehensive effort to minimize mosquito populations in hospital areas.
Conflict of Interests
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethics approval
Released by the Ethics Committee for Health Research of the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas
Muhammadiyah Semarang, number 0089/KEPK-FKM/UNIMUS/2025.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We express our gratitude to the Faculty of Public Health, Muhammadiyah University of Semarang, for
supporting this research.
Author contributions
Varissa Salsabila designed the research concept, collected data, analyzed data, and wrote the draft report.
Mifbakhuddin assisted with the concept design and report writing. Didik Sumanto designed the research
concept, analyzed the data, and wrote the published article. Sayono reviewed the research concept and
published article. All authors reviewed the manuscript and approved the final draft.
Funding
This research was conducted with independent funding.
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