IINTRODUCTION: Hydroelectric schemes modify the water flow and cause an impact on mosquito composition, thus justifying investigations. The aim of this study was to study anophelines in the area under the influence of a new lake and to evaluate their relative vulnerability to malaria. METHODS: Anopheles specimens were collected from the edges of the Porto Primavera reservoir, during the phases of reservoir filling until its maximum level was reached. The techniques used were attraction to humans, Shannon traps and entomological scoops. The richness and diversity indexes were used to measure the impact. The temporal distribution analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney test, taking the site, level and capture method as independent variables (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The density of Anopheles darlingi oscillated among the sites A, B and C, and the biggest peaks were located at B and C. After the lake reached its stable maximum level, there was a tendency for the density to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that the risk of autochthonous malaria in the vicinity of the lake remained unchanged, but it is necessary to remain alert regarding sporadic human infections.
Hydroelectric; Malaria; Plasmodium; Ecological succession
