Post-disaster occurrence of mosquito larvae in areas affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake

The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake caused extensive environmental damage in the Oku-Noto region, significantly altering mosquito habitats. In particular, aquatic environments where larvae develop were disrupted, making it difficult to predict changes in mosquito abundance and distribution. Monitoring vector mosquito populations in such post-disaster settings is essential for public health. To evaluate the earthquake’s impact, monthly larval surveys were conducted from March 2024 to December 2025 at sites accessible by standard vehicles. Collections were carried out at three sites in Suzu City and two sites in Nishi-Araya, Uchinada Town. In Suzu City, 326 larvae were collected in March 2024 and 260 in March 2025. In Nishi-Araya, 344 larvae were collected in March 2024 and 172 in March 2025. A total of six species were identified in Suzu City and seven species in Nishi-Araya. Species composition remained stable in Suzu City between 2024 and 2025. However, in Nishi-Araya, three species—Aedes japonicus, Aedes albopictus, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus—detected in 2024 were absent in 2025. These results suggest that earthquake-induced environmental changes may alter mosquito species composition, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance in disaster-affected areas.