Monyama Maropeng C, Molefe Letlhogonolo R, Meddows-Taylor Stephen
Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, Johannesburg 1710 South Africa.
Virusdisease. 2025 Mar;36(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s13337-025-00917-x. Epub 2025 Apr 10.
Dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses are important re-emerging mosquito-borne members of the genus that are under-recognized in many parts of Africa. This review aims to evaluate the existing literature on the transmission, epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, clinical presentation and prevention of infection with DENV and WNV in Southern Africa. Literature shows that both DENV and WNV are transmitted by mosquitoes of and species., respectively, and both viruses are widespread in the Southern African region. Epidemiologically, sporadic outbreaks have been reported of both DENV and WNV in various Southern African countries, indicating the ongoing threat of these viruses. However, the lack of comprehensive surveillance and diagnostic capacity challenges accurate estimation of their true prevalence. Diagnostic techniques for DENV and WNV involve serological tests, molecular tests and viral isolation, enabling prompt diagnosis and differentiation from other febrile illnesses. In Southern Africa, infection with DENV and WNV presents significant public health concerns, with the clinical presentation of both infections ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe manifestations. Symptoms of infection include high fever, myalgia, rash, and, in severe cases, haemorrhagic fever for DENV and neurological complications for WNV. No specific antiviral treatment exists for either virus, underscoring the importance of supportive care and symptom management. To prevent the spread of DENV and WNV in Southern African countries, a combination of prevention and treatment strategies should be employed, including effective mosquito control, continuous monitoring of vector population dynamics, public health education, and surveillance and reporting systems for averting future outbreaks.
登革病毒（DENV）和西尼罗河病毒（WNV）是黄病毒属中重要的、再度出现的蚊媒病毒，在非洲许多地区未得到充分认识。本综述旨在评估有关南非DENV和WNV感染的传播、流行病学、诊断技术、临床表现及预防的现有文献。文献表明，DENV和WNV分别由伊蚊属和库蚊属的蚊子传播，且这两种病毒在南部非洲地区广泛存在。在流行病学方面，南非各国均报告了DENV和WNV的散发性疫情，表明这些病毒构成持续威胁。然而，缺乏全面监测和诊断能力对准确估计其实际流行率构成挑战。DENV和WNV的诊断技术包括血清学检测、分子检测和病毒分离，有助于迅速诊断并与其他发热性疾病相鉴别。在南非，DENV和WNV感染引发了重大公共卫生问题，这两种感染的临床表现从无症状病例到严重症状不等。感染症状包括高热、肌痛、皮疹，严重时，DENV可导致出血热，WNV可引发神经系统并发症。两种病毒均无特效抗病毒治疗方法，这凸显了支持性治疗和症状管理的重要性。为防止DENV和WNV在南非各国传播，应采用综合预防和治疗策略，包括有效控制蚊虫、持续监测病媒种群动态、开展公共卫生教育以及建立监测和报告系统以避免未来疫情爆发。
