Conferencia Dr. Pimenta

The Burden of Vector-Borne Diseases in Brazil/Latin America and the Escalating Risks of Arboviral Spillovers from the Amazon: From Historical Epidemic to Emerging Virus

PIMENTA, Paulo F.P.^1,2,3,4 & SECUNDINO, Nágila F.C.^1,2,3,4.

¹ Program for Postgraduate Studies in Tropical Medicine, State University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil.
² Program for Postgraduate Studies in Health Sciences, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, M.G., Brazil.
³ Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation, Amazonas, Brazil.
⁴Laboratory of Medical Entomology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Belo Horizonte, M.G., Brazil.
E-mail adresses: pfppimenta@gmail.com & secundinon@gmail.com

Latin America (LA), characterized by its expansive tropical landscapes, has historically served as a focal point for the proliferation of infectious diseases. The Amazon rainforest, recognized for its biodiversity, serves as a reservoir for a multitude of pathogens. The Amazon’s dense rainforests, coupled with the humid coastal plains, raise a climate and biodiversity that are favorable to the emergence and proliferation of tropical diseases. Throughout history, vector-borne diseases have significantly influenced public health, economic systems, and societal agendas in Amazonian countries. Malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, yellow fever, and dengue fever represent a series of mosquito-borne diseases that have profoundly impacted the historical and socio-economic scenery of LA. Recently, the emergence of arboviruses from the Amazon basin has prompted significant concern. The Mayaro virus, an arbovirus transmitted by Haemagogus mosquitoes, has been documented in several regions of LA countries especially in Brazil. The manifestations of Mayaro virus disease bear a striking resemblance to those associated with chikungunya, encompassing fever, rash, and severe joint pain. While instances of outbreaks have been relatively contained, the capacity for urban transmission of the virus through Aedes mosquitoes presents an increasingly pressing problem. The Oropouche virus, primarily disseminated by biting midges of the Culicoides genus, has been documented in urban locales, underscoring its potential for epidemic spread. Oropouche fever manifests with elevated body temperature, intense headaches, muscular discomfort, and, in certain instances, neurological manifestations. The disorganized urbanization occurring in LA cities has fostered conditions that facilitate the proliferation of vectors. Substandard sanitation, insufficient housing, and the presence of stagnant water create optimal conditions for the propagation of mosquitoes and, consequently, vector-borne diseases. Continuous accomplishments in vector management are crucial to advance these vulnerabilities. The progress made in molecular biology, epidemiology, and public health initiatives has significantly enhanced our comprehension of tropical diseases. Nevertheless, numerous obstacles persist, especially in the management of arbovirus. Allocating resources to disease surveillance systems is essential for the prompt identification and management of outbreaks. Despite notable advancements in the fight against persistent illnesses such as malaria and Chagas disease, the landscape is continually reshaped by the advent of novel viral threats like Mayaro and Oropouche. Confronting these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy that integrates scientific inquiry, public health efforts, and sustainable development methodologies. Through the establishment of robust health systems and international cooperation, LA countries has the capacity to address its distinct disease challenges and protect the well-being of its population. 

Acknowledgment: Fiocruz and FapemigKeywords: historical epidemics, vector-borne diseases, emerging arbovirus