Arboviruses

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Arboviruses are arthropod-borne viruses; their major vectors are mosquitoes and ticks. Vector control is important for disease control.

• The leading cause of arboviral disease in the US is WNV; other viruses (La Crosse, Powassan, St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis) cause sporadic outbreaks.

• Infections usually occur in the summer months, and most are subclinical. Encephalitis is the most common clinical syndrome.

• Worldwide, Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue are major causes of morbidity and mortality.