Arbovirus News and Research

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Arbovirus is the name given to Arthropod-borne viruses, that is, viruses that are transmitted to vertebrates, such as people and mammals, by blood-feeding insects called arthropods, such as mosquitoes. Vertebrate infection occurs when the infected insect bites an animal or person and takes a blood meal.

Genomic study tracks massive chikungunya epidemic on Réunion Island

Between August 2024 and June 2025, Réunion Island experienced a massive chikungunya epidemic, with more than 54,000 confirmed cases and 43 deaths, making it the second major Chikungunya virus outbreak on the island after the 2005-2006 epidemic, which had affected about a third of the islands' population.

25 Sep 2026

Europe has a new mosquito problem, but it may not be the one you think

A scoping review of 91 studies, combined with a workshop involving 41 experts from six European countries, mapped the spread, biology, surveillance challenges, and potential disease relevance of the invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus. The researchers identified major gaps in species identification, vector competence, ecology, genetics, and long-term surveillance that must be addressed as the cold-tolerant mosquito expands across Europe.

2 Sep 2026

Mitochondrial rewiring may explain why orthoflaviviruses harm humans but persist in mosquitoes

Orthoflaviviruses reshape mitochondrial structure, metabolism, redox signaling, and quality control differently across human and mosquito models, helping explain their contrasting infection outcomes. The review highlights mitochondrial pathways that may support acute cellular damage in vertebrates but persistent, non-lethal infection in mosquitoes, pointing to potential antiviral targets.

12 Aug 2026

Wild carnivores reveal wider West Nile and Usutu virus exposure in the Netherlands

Researchers detected Usutu virus RNA in nine of 818 wild carnivores sampled across the Netherlands, while no animals tested positive for West Nile virus RNA. Neutralizing antibodies to one or both viruses in red foxes and stone martens indicate broader spillover exposure and suggest these species may support arbovirus surveillance.

14 Jul 2026

Researchers track genetic changes in Brazil's rare Sabiá virus

The Sabiá virus causes an acute hemorrhagic and neurological syndrome. Four fatal cases have been recorded in the state of São Paulo since 1990.

20 May 2026

Florida chickens help scientists forecast West Nile virus outbreaks

A new study has significant bearing on the hackneyed joke about chickens and their numerous reasons for crossing roads.

17 Sep 2025

Early B cell response prevents Oropouche virus from reaching the brain

Research conducted on mice has identified that the rapid response of a specific type of defense cell is essential for controlling Oropouche virus infections and preventing serious neurological damage.

14 Sep 2025

Climate change expands mosquito habitat northward

Most people recover from Dengue fever, which is caused by a virus transmitted from the Asian tiger mosquito, but some infected individuals experience serious bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and even death.

21 Aug 2025

How a Réunion Island outbreak sparked France’s record chikungunya season

Mainland France recorded its earliest-ever local chikungunya outbreaks in May 2025, with 10 clusters (27 cases) across five regions, driven by travelers importing the virus from Réunion Island. The surge highlights growing vulnerability to mosquito-borne diseases in Europe as Aedes albopictus expands northward.

18 Aug 2025

WHO warns of ORVO as outbreaks surge and health risks rise

Oropouche virus poses a growing public health risk, with recent outbreaks in Brazil and Cuba. The WHO report calls for urgent global preparedness measures.

13 Jun 2025

Small molecular shifts can drastically alter encephalitis virus behavior

New research shows how small shifts in the molecular makeup of a virus can profoundly alter its fate. These shifts could turn a deadly pathogen into a harmless bug or supercharge a relatively benign virus, influencing its ability to infect humans and cause dangerous outbreaks.

4 Apr 2025

The growing list of human viruses: Are we prepared for the next outbreak?

Researchers review the ever-growing list of human viruses, examining their diversity, transmission pathways, and the urgent need for prevention and global surveillance.

12 Feb 2025

Rising Toscana virus infections in Italy highlight climate-driven health risks

A recent study reveals a sharp rise in neuroinvasive Toscana virus infections in Italy from 2022 to 2023, driven by climate factors and expanding geographic spread.

20 Jan 2025

Rising temperatures fuel global spread of dengue infections

Climate change is having a massive global impact on dengue transmission, accounting for 19% of the current dengue burden, with a potential to spark an additional 40%-60% spike by 2050 - and by as much as 150%-200% in some areas - according to a new study presented today at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).

18 Nov 2024

Scientists detect replication-competent Oropouche virus in semen of traveler, sparking transmission fears

Researchers confirmed the presence of replication-competent Oropouche virus in semen, raising concerns about potential sexual transmission following a traveler's infection.

9 Oct 2024

WHO unveils comprehensive strategy to combat dengue and Aedes-borne arboviruses

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses.

3 Oct 2024

How mosquito spit could help develop therapies for arboviral diseases

You might guess it'd be tough to extract saliva from a mosquito. And you'd be correct. Yet, because mosquitos spread disease via saliva, it's critical to sample and study.

5 Sep 2024

Powassan virus in Canada calls for greater vigilance in diagnosing tick-borne encephalitis

With tick-borne viruses such as Powassan virus increasing in Canada, clinicians should consider these infections in patients with encephalitis, as a case study shows in CMAJ.

26 Aug 2024

New Quartet nanocage vaccine shows promise against coronavirus variants

Researchers have developed a novel vaccination approach using Quartet nanocages that display receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from different sarbecoviruses, showing enhanced immune responses and potential protection against diverse coronavirus strains including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.

8 May 2024