Aedes albopictus and other Aedes (Stegomyia) species in Fiji

During an assessment of the dengue situation in Fiji in early 1992, a house-to-house survey of container-breeding Aedes was made. Discarded tires and water drums were identified as key breeding sites for the 4 potential dengue vectors: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes pseudoscutellaris, and Aedes polynesiensis. Aedes albopictus were detected on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and on Taveuni. Examination of early records and of used tire importation suggests entry into Fiji after July 1985 but well before July 1988 when the species was first detected. It is also possible the Ae. albopictus was introduced via aircraft from Hawaii. In Suva, the 4 Stegomyia species coexist, but in Lautoka, it appears that Ae. albopictus may be displacing Ae. pseudoscutellaris.