Entomological surveillance of insects relevant to public health during the construction of the Porce II and Porce III hydroelectric projects Antioquia, Colombia, 1990-2009 Vigilancia entomológica de insectos de importancia en salud pública durante la construcción de los proyectos hidroeléctricos Porce II y Porce III, Antioquia, Colombia, 1990-2009

Introduction. Entomological studies conducted in large hydroelectric infrastructure projects are a tool for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Such diseases are a result of the changes made to the terrain, which often increase the amount of natural and artificial mosquito breeding grounds in the area of influence, thus resulting in an increase in the population of arthropods, amongst which there are insects that are relevant to public health. Objective. To study and surveil the fauna of Culicidae and Phlebotominae in the area of the Porce II and Porce III hydroelectric projects from 1990 to 2009. Materials and methods. Periodical entomological samplings for monitoring the public health of the communities located in the area of influence, camps, and work fronts. Adult specimens were captured with nets, Shannon light traps and CDC, and protected human bait. Results. Mosquito larvae from the following species were found: Cx. coronator, Cx. nigripalpus, Cx. corniger, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Limatus durhami. The most frequent deposits where: low tanks, waste cans, tires, and aquatic plants. A. aegypti specimens were only captured in two rural locations from two municipalities within the area of influence. Specimens from the following species were captured in forest areas: Aedes, Mansonia, Culex, Psorophora, Wyeomyia, Phonyomyia, Uranotaenia, Haemagogus and Sabethes. The most important mosquito found was Haemogogus janthinomis, an efficient yellow fever vector in Colombia. The area is endemic for leishmaniasis and 20 species of Lutzomyia were identified. Among malaria vectors, the most important species found in the area were: nu eztovari and An. pseudopunctipennis. Conclusion. There is a wide variety of vectors in the area of the Porce II and Porce III hydroelectric projects, and they are relevant for public health. Additionally, further monitoring is necessary to minimize disease transmission risks among the workers and the inhabitants of the surrounding areas. Introducción. Los estudios entomológicos en grandes obras de infraestructura hidroeléctrica constituyen una herramienta para la prevención y el control de enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, debido a que con frecuencia las alteraciones causadas en el medio producen aumento de criaderos naturales y artificiales en el área de influencia y, por ende, incremento de las poblaciones de artrópodos, entre ellos insectos de interés en salud pública. Objetivo. Realizar estudio y vigilancia de la fauna de Culicidae y Phlebotominae en el área de los proyectos hidroeléctricos Porce II y Porc