Clinical Update on Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika: What We Know at the Time of Article Submission

Abstract

Objective: Mosquito-borne diseases pose a threat to individual health and population health on both a local and a global level. The threat is even more exaggerated during disasters, whether manmade or environmental. With the recent Zika virus outbreak, it is important to highlight other infections that can mimic the Zika virus and to better understand what can be done as public health officials and health care providers. Methods: This article reviews the recent literature on the Zika virus as well as chikungunya virus and dengue virus. Results: The present findings give a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the 3 infections in terms of their characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis methodology, and treatment and what can be done for prevention. Additionally, the article highlights a special population that has received much focus in the latest outbreak, the pregnant individual. Conclusion: Education and training are instrumental in controlling the outbreak, and early detection can be lifesaving. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:290-299)

Successful Live Kidney Transplantation After Chikungunya Disease in the Donor

“… 13 Viremia has an average duration of 5 to 7 days. 2 The virus can be spread through a mosquito bite or the transfusion of blood products, by vertical transmission, or during the peripartum period. 1 , 2 …”

“…Most cases of CHIKV infection are either asymptomatic or benign and self-limited. 1 , 2 However, an increased risk of severe disease has been described in patients with underlying medical conditions, including immunosuppressed individuals. 1 …”

“…With more than 30% of the world’s population living in risk areas, the global dissemination of arbovirus infections is a matter of increasing concern. 1 , 2 Besides numerous barriers to effective vector control, there is the added challenge of dealing with pathologic entities that are not yet fully understood.…”

“…Because of this, a 4-week quarantine for blood donation has been recommended after travel to endemic areas. 2 However, the risk of blood-borne transmission may differ for different arboviruses. For example, even in individuals who are free of symptoms, it may be greater for infections with higher viremic loads, such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections, as compared with some of the arthropod-borne viral diseases.…”

Recent Trends in Dengue Detection Methods Using Biosensors

“…Several warning signs for severe dengue include persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding, lethargy, abdominal pain or tenderness, clinical fluid accumulation, restlessness, liver enlargement of more than 2 cm, and an increase in the hematocrit count with a rapid decrease in platelet count [1]. Patients usually recover if identified early and with proper fluid and electrolyte administration [6][7][8].…”