Arboviral Diseases

News– The WHO has released its first integrated guidelines for managing arboviral diseases

About Arboviral Diseases

• Arboviral diseases are infections caused by arthropod-borne viruses transmitted to humans through bites of infected insects, mainly mosquitoes and ticks. 
• It is commonly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
• The Aedes aegypti mosquito can transmit several viruses within the same region, often at the same time.
• Example: Common examples include West Nile, Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue, and Eastern equine encephalitis.
• Transmission: Some viruses may also spread through blood transfusion, organ transplant, sexual contact, or mother-to-child transmission.
• Symptoms: Fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash, bleeding (in dengue and yellow fever), headache, neck stiffness, excessive sleepiness, seizures, and unconsciousness—often appearing within a few days to two weeks after a mosquito or tick bite.
• Prevention: Use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Ensure window and door screens are intact.

Global Risk & Impact

• Over 5.6 billion people globally are at risk of arboviral infections.
• These diseases are endemic to tropical and subtropical regions and are rapidly expanding in range.
• Infections often appear with similar flu-like symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.
• Simultaneous circulation of multiple arboviruses is common in several regions.