Spatial distribution of arboviruses and its association with a social development index and the waste disposal in São Luís, state of Maranhão, Brazil, 2015 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To detect spatial and spatiotemporal clusters of urban arboviruses and to investigate whether the social development index (SDI) and irregular waste disposal are related to the coefficient of urban arboviruses detection in São Luís, state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: The confirmed cases of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya in São Luís, from 2015 to 2019, were georeferenced to the census tract of residence. The Bayesian Conditional Autoregressive regression model was used to identify the association between SDI and irregular waste disposal sites and the coefficient of urban arboviruses detection. RESULTS: The spatial pattern of arboviruses pointed to the predominance of a low-incidence cluster, except 2016. For the years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, an increase of one unit of waste disposal site increased the coefficient of arboviruses detection in 1.25, 1.09, 1.23, and 1.13 cases of arboviruses per 100 thousand inhabitants, respectively. The SDI was not associated with the coefficient of arboviruses detection. CONCLUSION: In São Luís, spatiotemporal risk clusters for the occurrence of arboviruses and a positive association between the coefficient of arbovirus detection and sites of irregular waste disposal were identified.

Use of insect repellent as personal protection among women of childbearing age in an arbovirus endemic area in Northeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with the individual use of insect repellent by women of childbearing age living in area endemic for arboviruses in Fortaleza, Brazil. METHODS: This is a cohort study carried out between 2018 and 2019 with women aged between 15 and 39 years in Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil. A total of 1,173 women users of one of the four selected primary health care units participated in the study. The outcome was divided into: continued use, discontinued use, and nonuse of insect repellent. Crude and adjusted multinominal logistic regression analysis was carried out guided by a hierarchical model, with presentation of the respective odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The independent variables include: socioeconomic and demographic data, environmental and sanitary characteristics, knowledge of the insect repellent, and behavioral and pregnancy-related aspects. RESULTS: Only 28% of the participants reported using insect repellent during the two waves of the cohort. Women with higher education (OR=2.55; 95%CI 1.44-4.51); who are employed (OR=1.51; 95%CI 1.12-2.03); who received guidance from healthcare professionals (OR=1.74; 95%CI 1.28-2.36) and the media (OR=1.43; 95%CI 1.01-2.02); who intensified precautions against mosquitoes during the epidemic (OR=3.64; 95%CI 2.29-5.78); and who were pregnant between 2016 and 2019 (OR=2.80; 95%CI 1.83-4.30) had increased odds for continued use of insect repellent. CONCLUSION: The use of insect repellent among women of childbearing age was associated with a higher level of education, employment, guidance on insect repellent provided by healthcare professionals and the media, behavioral changes to protect against mosquitoes during the Zika virus epidemic, and pregnancy when occurring as of the beginning of the epidemic period.

Occurrence of arbovirus infections in two riverine populations in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The riverine communities of the Amazon comprise different social groups that inhabit the rural areas on the banks of rivers and lakes. Residents usually travel by river to rural and urban areas and are then exposed to urbanized diseases such as those caused by arbovirus infection. In Brazil, emerging diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and those caused by infection with Oropouche and Mayaro viruses necessitate epidemiological surveillance. This study was aimed at determining the frequency of positivity for immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies against Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses and performing molecular analyses to detect viral RNA for the Zika, chikungunya, dengue virus, Oropouche, and Mayaro viruses, in the same serum samples obtained from riverside populations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a riverside population in the Humaitá municipality of the Brazilian Amazon. More than 80% of the local population participated in this study. Entomological samples were collected to identify local mosquito vectors. RESULTS: Analysis of 205 human serological samples revealed IgG antibodies against the dengue virus in 85 individuals. No molecular positivity was observed in human samples. Entomological analyses revealed 3,187 Diptera species, with Mansonia being the most frequent genus. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were not detected in the two collections. CONCLUSIONS: IgG antibodies against the dengue virus were highly prevalent, suggesting previous exposure. The absence of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the samples supports the hypothesis that the infections recorded likely occurred outside the riverside communities investigated.

Combate a dengue

O vídeo ressalta a importância dos cuidados, da mobilização e engajamento da população e do poder público para o combate ao Aedes aegypti, mosquito transmissor da dengue, Chikungunya e Zika.

Organização de serviço na atenção primária - atendimento a pacientes com suspeita de arboviroses

O vídeo destaca a organização de serviço na atenção primária em saúde para atendimento a pacientes com suspeita de arboviroses.

Mechanistic insights into bone remodelling dysregulation by human viral pathogens.

Bone-related diseases (osteopathologies) associated with human virus infections have increased around the globe. Recent findings have highlighted the intricate interplay between viral infection, the host immune system and the bone remodelling process. Viral infections can disrupt bone homeostasis, contributing to conditions such as arthritis and soft tissue calcifications. Osteopathologies can occur after arbovirus infections such as chikungunya virus, dengue virus and Zika virus, as well as respiratory viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus B. Here we explore how human viruses dysregulate bone homeostasis, detailing viral factors, molecular mechanisms, host immune response changes and bone remodelling that ultimately result in osteopathologies. We highlight model systems and technologies to advance mechanistic understanding of viral-mediated bone alterations. Finally, we propose potential prophylactic and therapeutic strategies, introduce 'osteovirology' as a research field highlighting the underestimated roles of viruses in bone-related diseases, and discuss research avenues for further investigation.

Host associations of Culex panocossa (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern Florida and its implications for arbovirus transmission.

Culex panocossa, Dyar and Knab, an important enzootic vector of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus subtype ID in Central and South America, was found to have invaded and become established in southern Florida in 2016. No information is currently available regarding the ecology of this invasive mosquito in the United States. Here, we use PCR-based blood meal analysis to investigate vertebrate host associations of Cx. panocossa from Florida to provide information necessary for determining the potential importance of this mosquito for arbovirus transmission in the United States. Culex panocossa fed mainly upon birds (49.5%) but took a substantial fraction of blood meals from mammals (33.3%) and reptiles (17.1%). By feeding upon amplifying hosts of Everglades virus (hispid cotton rat) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (wading birds) and humans, Cx. panocossa could act as a bridge vector for these pathogenic Alphaviruses in Florida, potentially resulting in increased human disease.

The epidemiology of imported and locally acquired dengue in Australia, 2012-2022.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is the most important arboviral disease globally and poses ongoing challenges for control including in non-endemic countries with competent mosquito vectors at risk of local transmission through imported cases. We examined recent epidemiological trends in imported and locally acquired dengue in Australia, where the Wolbachia mosquito population replacement method was implemented throughout dengue-prone areas of northern Queensland between 2011 and 2019. METHODS: We analysed dengue cases reported to the Australian National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System between January 2012 and December 2022, and Australian traveller movement data. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2022, 13 343 dengue cases were reported in Australia (median 1466 annual cases); 12 568 cases (94.2%) were imported, 584 (4.4%) were locally acquired and 191 (1.4%) had no origin recorded. Locally acquired cases decreased from a peak in 2013 (n = 236) to zero in 2021-22. Annual incidence of imported dengue ranged from 8.29/100 000 (n = 917 cases) to 22.10/100 000 (n = 2203) annual traveller movements between 2012 and 2019, decreased in 2020 (6.74/100 000 traveller movements; n = 191) and 2021 (3.32/100 000 traveller movements; n = 10) during COVID-19-related border closures, then rose to 34.79/100 000 traveller movements (n = 504) in 2022. Imported cases were primarily acquired in Southeast Asia (n = 9323; 74%), Southern and Central Asia (n = 1555; 12%) and Oceania (n = 1341; 11%). Indonesia (n = 5778; 46%) and Thailand (n = 1483; 12%) were top acquisition countries. DENV-2 (n = 2147; 42%) and DENV-1 (n = 1526; 30%) were predominant serotypes. CONCLUSION: Our analysis highlights Australia's successful control of locally acquired dengue with Wolbachia. Imported dengue trends reflect both Australian travel destinations and patterns and local epidemiology in endemic countries.

From defense to offense: Modulating toll-like receptors to combat arbovirus infections.

Arboviruses are a significant threat to global public health, with outbreaks occurring worldwide. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in the innate immune response against these viruses by recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns and initiating an inflammatory response. Significantly, TLRs commonly implicated in the immune response against viral infections include TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR8; limiting or allowing them to replicate and spread within the host. Modulating TLRs has emerged as a promising approach to combat arbovirus infections. This review summarizes recent advances in TLR modulation as a therapeutic target in arbovirus infections. Studies have shown that the activation of TLRs can enhance the immune response against arbovirus infections, leading to increased viral clearance and protection against disease. Conversely, inhibition of TLRs can reduce the excessive inflammation and tissue damage associated with arbovirus infection. Modulating TLRs represents a potential therapeutic strategy to combat arbovirus infections.

Balancing functions of regulatory T cells in mosquito-borne viral infections.

Mosquito-borne viral infections are on the rise worldwide and can lead to severe symptoms such as haemorrhage, encephalitis, arthritis or microcephaly. A protective immune response following mosquito-borne viral infections requires the generation of a controlled and balanced immune response leading to viral clearance without immunopathology. Here, regulatory T cells play a central role in restoring immune homeostasis. In current review, we aim to provide an overview and summary of the phenotypes of FOXP3+ Tregs in various mosquito-borne arboviral disease, their association with disease severity and their functional characteristics. Furthermore, we discuss the role of cytokines and Tregs in the immunopathogenesis of mosquito-borne infections. Lastly, we discuss possible novel lines of research which could provide additional insight into the role of Tregs in mosquito-borne viral infections in order to develop novel therapeutic approaches or vaccination strategies.

Key messages for individuals, families, and communities on actions to prevent and control the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, chikungunya, Zika and other arboviral diseases in the Americas

This document is for the vector control programs of the Ministries of Health of PAHO Member States. Together with their national communication and social mobilization teams, they can adapt this information to the specific needs of the target population in each country. The information presented below deals with general aspects of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and recommendations for its control to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission of dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and other urban arboviruses transmitted by this vector in the Americas.

Guía de mensajes clave destinados a individuos, familias y comunidad sobre las acciones preventivas y el control para combatir al mosquito Aedes aegypti transmisor del dengue, chikungunya, Zika y otras arbovirosis en las Américas

El mosquito Aedes aegypti es el principal transmisor de los virus del dengue, chikungunya y Zika en las Américas. Está presente en casi todos los países (excepto Canadá). Es un mosquito de vida doméstica (vive dentro y en los alrededores de las casas) y puede reproducirse en cualquier lugar o recipiente que acumule agua. Esta es una guía de mensajes clave es destinada a individuos, familias y comunidad sobre las acciones preventivas y el control para combatir al mosquito Aedes aegypti transmisor del dengue, chikungunya, Zika y otras arbovirosis en las Américas.

Monitoramento dos casos de arboviroses no Estado de Goiás da semana epidemiológica 01 a 06 de 2024 / Monitoring of arbovirus cases in Goiás in epidemiological week of 06 at 24 de 2024

As arboviroses transmitidas pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti são um dos principais problemas de saúde pública no Estado de Goiás. O boletim epidemiológico das arboviroses tem o objetivo de apresentar a situação epidemiológica dos casos no estado, utilizando como fonte de dados os registros de casos suspeitos e confirmados ocorridos nos últimos anos, disponíveis no Sinan Online e Sinan Net. Também são apresentados dados relativos à síndrome congênita associada à infecção pelo Zika Vírus, disponíveis no Sistema de Registro de Eventos em Saúde Pública (RESP) - Microcefalias

Arboviruses transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito are one of the main public health problems in the State of Goiás. The arbovirus epidemiological bulletin aims to present the epidemiological situation of cases in the state, using records of suspected and confirmed cases as a data source. occurred in recent years, available on Sinan Online and Sinan Net. Data relating to congenital syndrome associated with Zika Virus infection are also presented, available on the Public Health Event Registration System (RESP) - Microcephalies

Mapa de Evidências Arboviroses: estratégias de prevenção e controle

O mapa apresenta uma visão geral das evidências sobre os efeitos das estratégias de prevenção e controle para arboviroses. Foram incluídos no mapa 45 estudos de revisão, que foram avaliados e caracterizados por um grupo de pesquisadores do Centro de Inteligência em Agravos Tropicais Emergentes e Negligenciados (CIATEN) e da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). No mapa estão representadas graficamente 164 associações entre 64 intervenções e 26 desfechos para prevenção e controle das Arboviroses, com indicação do efeito reportado nos estudos. A intervenção mais avaliada foi a vacina contra a dengue com 14 associações, para as quais foi reportado efeito positivo ou potencialmente em 10 associações. Os desfechos mais avaliados foram: redução de casos de dengue, eliminação do Aedes aegypti e redução da população de mosquitos. Um dos efeitos positivos apresentados foi relacionado principalmente à vacina contra dengue destacando como desfecho principal a redução de casos de dengue; e eliminação de criadouros para eliminação do Aedes aegypti e redução da população de mosquitos, adultos e larvas.

Entomological risk assessment for transmission of arboviral diseases by Aedes mosquitoes in a domestic and forest site in Accra, Ghana.

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are Aedes-borne viral diseases that have become great global health concerns in the past years. Several countries in Africa have reported outbreaks of these diseases and despite Ghana sharing borders with some of these countries, such outbreaks are yet to be detected. Viral RNA and antibodies against dengue serotype-2 have recently been reported among individuals in some localities in the regional capital of Ghana. This is an indication of a possible silent transmission ongoing in the population. This study, therefore, investigated the entomological transmission risk of dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses in a forest and domestic population in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. All stages of the Aedes mosquito (egg, larvae, pupae and adults) were collected around homes and in the forest area for estimation of risk indices. All eggs were hatched and reared to larvae or adults for morphological identification together with larvae and adults collected from the field. The forest population had higher species richness with 7 Aedes species. The predominant species of Aedes mosquitoes identified from both sites was Aedes aegypti (98%). Aedes albopictus, an important arbovirus vector, was identified only in the peri-domestic population at a prevalence of 1.5%, significantly higher than previously reported. All risk indices were above the WHO threshold except the House Index for the domestic site which was moderate (19.8). The forest population recorded higher Positive Ovitrap (34.2% vs 26.6%) and Container (67.9% vs 36.8%) Indices than the peri-domestic population. Although none of the mosquito pools showed the presence of dengue, chikungunya or Zika viruses, all entomological risk indicators showed that both sites had a high potential arboviral disease transmission risk should any of these viruses be introduced. Continuous surveillance is recommended in these and other sites in the Metropolis to properly map transmission risk areas to inform outbreak preparedness strategies.

Boletim epidemiológico: monitoramento dos casos de arboviroses em Goiás da semana epidemiológica de 01 a 50 de 2023 / Epidemiological bulletin: monitoring of arbovirus cases in Goiás from epidemiological week 01 to 50 of 2023

As arboviroses transmitidas pelo mosquito Aedes aegypti são um dos principais problemas de saúde pública no Estado de Goiás. O boletim epidemiológico das arboviroses tem o objetivo de apresentar a situação epidemiológica dos casos no estado, utilizando como fonte de dados os registros de casos suspeitos e confirmados ocorridos nos últimos anos, disponíveis no Sinan Online e Sinan Net. Também são apresentados dados relativos à síndrome congênita associada à infecção pelo Zika Vírus, disponíveis no Sistema de Registro de Eventos em Saúde Pública (RESP) - Microcefalias

Arboviruses transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito are one of the main public health problems in the State of Goiás. The arbovirus epidemiological bulletin aims to present the epidemiological situation of cases in the state, using records of suspected and confirmed cases as a data source. occurred in recent years, available on Sinan Online and Sinan Net. Data relating to congenital syndrome associated with Zika Virus infection are also presented, available on the Public Health Event Registration System (RESP) - Microcephalies