Epidemiology of arboviral infections.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current state of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of arboviruses.


METHODS
Computerized literature searches, identification of papers through review of article bibliographies, and Yale Arbovirus Research Unit, USA.


METHODS
Articles documenting research pertaining to the epidemiology of arboviruses with emphasis on factors that increase or decrease the spread of these infections.


METHODS
The review articles were extracted independently by the authors.


RESULTS
Arboviral infections are a global health problem accounting for significant morbidity and mortality in human and animal populations. They belong to the families Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, Reoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae, and are transmitted to humans and domestic animals by the bite of infected arthropods. Rodents and birds are significant vertebrate hosts, while humans are usually not involved in the maintenance and spread of most arboviruses. Ecologic changes and human behavior are important in the spread of these infections. Clinical features range from mild fevers to fatal encephalitis. Surveillance, immunization, and vector control are important methods of prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that the distribution and spread of arboviruses is greatly influenced by human behavior and ecologic changes in the environment. Awareness regarding these and other factors, such as travel history, history of bites of arthropods, concurrent epidemic pattern in the community, and knowledge of surveillance data are useful ways of identifying these infections. Future research may be directed toward methodical search for new arboviruses and their relation to human and animal disease.
Ansari
M Z
MZ
Clifford Craig Medical Research Foundation, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
Shope
R E
RE
D000818:Animals; D001102:Arbovirus Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D001179:Arthropod Vectors; D004181:Directories as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D012307:Risk Factors