Arboviruses emerging in Brazil: challenges for clinic and implications for public health

Abstract

Arboviruses have been emerging in different parts of the world due to genetic changes in thevirus, alteration of the host and vector population dynamics, or because of anthropogenicenvironmental factors. These viruses’ capacity for adaptation is notable, as well as the likelihood oftheir emergence and establishment in new geographic areas. In Brazilian epidemiologic scenario,the most common arboviruses are DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV, although others may spread in thecountry. Little is yet known of the impact of viral co-circulation, which would theoretically resultin more intense viremia or other immunological alterations that could trigger autoimmunediseases, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. The impact on morbidity and mortality intensifies asextensive epidemics lead to a high number of affected individuals, severe cases, and implicationsfor health services, mainly due to the absence of treatment, vaccines, and effective preventionand control measures