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Showing posts with the label zika virus

#Vectors on the Move: How #Climate Change Fuels the Spread of #Arboviruses in #Europe

  Abstract Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major driver of emerging infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases (VBDs), which are expanding in range and intensity worldwide. Europe , traditionally considered low-risk for many arboviral infections , is now experiencing autochthonous transmission of pathogens such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, and leishmaniasis . Rising temperatures , altered precipitation patterns , and milder winters have facilitated the establishment and spread of competent vectors , including Aedes, Anopheles, Phlebotomus, and Culex species , in previously non-endemic areas. These climatic shifts not only impact vector survival and distribution but also influence vector competence and pathogen development , ultimately increasing transmission potential. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between climate change and VBDs, with a particular focus on pediatric populations . It highlights h...

Serological #Evidence of #Flavivirus #Infection Among #Mothers of #Newborns in El Paso, #Texas

  Abstract Background :  Flaviviruses represent a significant worldwide threat to human health and have the potential to emerge and cause outbreaks in non-endemic geographical regions. Ongoing surveillance for these viruses in the United States–Mexican border communities such as El Paso, Texas , is lacking. As a continuing effort to better understand the prevalence and to determine which arboviruses are endemic, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of specific flavivirus antibody among 910 human umbilical cord blood samples obtained from mothers who delivered newborns in El Paso, Texas. Materials and Methods :  The samples were screened for West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue virus (DENV) IgG antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by a plaque reduction neutralization test for DENV, WNV, Zika virus (ZIKV) and Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). Results :  Among the 910 samples , 2% were positive for specific IgG antibo...

#Zika virus disease - #India

Situation at a glance Between 1 January and 31 December 2024, a cumulative total of 151 Zika virus disease (ZVD) cases were reported from three states in India ( Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra states). Maharashtra State reported a cumulative total of 140 ZVD cases through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Additionally, Karnataka and Gujarat states reported ten and one cases , respectively, in 2024. As of 31 December 2024, no cases of microcephaly and/or Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) associated with this outbreak have been reported. Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito . Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, as well as through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and possibly through organ transplantation. There is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection or disease. Description of the situation Between 1 January and 31 December 2024, a cumulative ...