Assessment of the vectorial capacity of Anopheles arabiensis (Diptera : Culicidae) in La Reunion Island: An approach to the health risk due to imported malaria in an eradicated area.

Following intensive control measures, malaria was eradicated from La Reunio n Island (Indian Ocean) in 1979. However; potential vectors remain in coast al areas and, each year Public Health Services detect some imported cases f rom surrounding countries. Anopheles arabiensis is the only species which c an be responsible for local transmission though its brief life cycle and it s exophilic and zoophilic behaviour were found to be key elements in mainta ining the eradication status of the disease on the island Its vectorial cap acity was measured at different seasons and in different areas with a view to assessing the health risks due to imported malaria and suggesting a more pertinent strategy of vector control.