Present and Future Arboviral Threats

Present and Future Arboviral Threats

2010 February ; 85(2): 328. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.10.008. | Scott C. Weaver, William K. Reisen
The article discusses the current and future threats posed by arboviruses, which are viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes. These viruses cause significant human and animal disease worldwide, with many having evolved to cause epidemics in urban areas. The article highlights several key arboviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and Bluetongue virus (BTV), and their emergence, spread, and potential for future outbreaks. WNV, for example, has expanded its geographic range due to climate change and the movement of infected mosquitoes, leading to large epidemics in the Americas. JEV has spread from Asia to Australia and is now a major cause of encephalitis globally. RVFV, which is maintained in domestic animals, can cause severe disease in humans and livestock, particularly during wet years following droughts. BTV, which primarily affects ruminants, has expanded its range due to climate change, allowing it to invade new areas. The article also discusses factors that contribute to the emergence of arboviruses, such as climate change, human population growth, and the movement of infected vectors. It emphasizes the role of urbanization and the spread of the mosquito *Aedes aegypti* in the emergence of diseases like dengue and chikungunya. The article concludes by noting that the future of arboviruses is likely to be shaped by climate change, human activities, and the continued spread of these viruses into new geographic areas. The potential for these viruses to become major public health problems is highlighted, and the need for continued research and surveillance is emphasized.The article discusses the current and future threats posed by arboviruses, which are viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes. These viruses cause significant human and animal disease worldwide, with many having evolved to cause epidemics in urban areas. The article highlights several key arboviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), and Bluetongue virus (BTV), and their emergence, spread, and potential for future outbreaks. WNV, for example, has expanded its geographic range due to climate change and the movement of infected mosquitoes, leading to large epidemics in the Americas. JEV has spread from Asia to Australia and is now a major cause of encephalitis globally. RVFV, which is maintained in domestic animals, can cause severe disease in humans and livestock, particularly during wet years following droughts. BTV, which primarily affects ruminants, has expanded its range due to climate change, allowing it to invade new areas. The article also discusses factors that contribute to the emergence of arboviruses, such as climate change, human population growth, and the movement of infected vectors. It emphasizes the role of urbanization and the spread of the mosquito *Aedes aegypti* in the emergence of diseases like dengue and chikungunya. The article concludes by noting that the future of arboviruses is likely to be shaped by climate change, human activities, and the continued spread of these viruses into new geographic areas. The potential for these viruses to become major public health problems is highlighted, and the need for continued research and surveillance is emphasized.
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Understanding Present and future arboviral threats.