Arboviruses of Human Health significance in Kenya

Abstract

In tropical and developing countries, arboviruses cause emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. The East African region has experienced several outbreaks of Rift valley fever virus, Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus and Yellow fever virus. In Kenya, data from serological studies and mosquito isolation studies have shown a wide distribution of arboviruses throughout the country, implying the potential risk of these viruses to local public health. However, current estimates on circulating arboviruses in the country are largely underestimated due to lack of continuous and reliable countrywide surveillance and reporting systems on arboviruses and disease vectors and the lack of proper clinical screening methods and modern facilities. In this review, we discuss arboviruses of human health importance in Kenya by outlining the arboviruses that have caused outbreaks in the country, alongside those that have only been detected from various serological studies performed. Based on our analysis, at the end we provide workable technical and policy-wise recommendations for management of arboviruses and arboviral vectors in Kenya.