West Nile virus in Algeria: a comprehensive overview

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus with expanding global reach.
• WNV transmission involves a mosquito-bird-mosquito cycle, impacting human and animal health.
• Algeria has reported WNV cases and serological evidence since 1994.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the global epidemiologic situation of West Nile disease (WND) in Algeria.
• To provide an updated overview of WND based on human, equine, and entomologic data.
• To emphasize the need for enhanced arbovirus surveillance in Algeria.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published and unpublished data on WNV in Algeria.
• Analysis of human clinical cases and neuroinvasive infections.
• Examination of equine serosurveys and entomologic investigations.

Main Results:

• WNV infections and associated human meningoencephalitis cases have been reported in Algeria since 1994.
• Serological evidence of WNV circulation in both human and equine populations.
• Documented WNV cases in various Algerian regions, including Tinerkouk, Jijel, Timimoune, and Guelma.

Conclusions:

• WNV poses a significant public health concern in Algeria.
• Continued surveillance and capacity building are crucial for WNV prevention and control.
• Strengthening WNV surveillance can help mitigate the emergence of other arboviruses.