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Updated: May 7, 2026

Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Arbovirus Transmission in Australia from 2002 to 2017
Elvina Viennet1,2, Francesca D Frentiu2, Emilie McKenna1,2
1Research and Development, Strategy and Growth, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
Abstract:
Arboviruses pose a significant global public health threat, with Ross River virus (RRV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV), and dengue virus (DENV) being among the most common and clinically significant in Australia. Some arboviruses, including those prevalent in Australia, have been reported to cause transfusion-transmitted infections. This study examined the spatiotemporal variation of these arboviruses and their potential impact on blood donation numbers across Australia. Using data from the Australian Department of Health on eight arboviruses from 2002 to 2017, we retrospectively assessed the distribution and clustering of incidence rates in space and time using Geographic Information System mapping and space-time scan statistics. Regression models were used to investigate how weather variables, their lag months, space, and time affect case and blood donation counts. The predictors' importance varied with the spatial scale of analysis. Key predictors were average rainfall, minimum temperature, daily temperature variation, and relative humidity. Blood donation number was significantly associated with the incidence rate of all viruses and its interaction with local transmission of DENV, overall. This study, the first to cover eight clinically relevant arboviruses at a fine geographical level in Australia, identifies regions at risk for transmission and provides valuable insights for public health intervention.
Insights
This study mapped arbovirus (Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, dengue virus) spread in Australia, finding weather impacts transmission and blood donation rates. Public health interventions can be informed by these findings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Arboviruses, including Ross River virus (RRV), Barmah Forest virus (BFV), and dengue virus (DENV), represent a significant global health concern.
- These viruses are common in Australia and have been linked to transfusion-transmitted infections, impacting blood supply safety.
- Understanding the geographic and temporal spread of arboviruses is crucial for public health preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of eight clinically significant arboviruses in Australia.
- To investigate the relationship between arbovirus incidence, weather variables, and blood donation numbers.
- To identify high-risk regions for arbovirus transmission and inform public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Australian Department of Health data (2002-2017) for eight arboviruses.
- Employed Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and space-time scan statistics for spatial and temporal analysis.
- Applied regression models to assess the influence of weather variables (rainfall, temperature, humidity) and their lags on arbovirus cases and blood donations.
Main Results:
- Identified significant spatiotemporal variations in arbovirus incidence across Australia.
- Average rainfall, minimum temperature, daily temperature variation, and relative humidity were key predictors of arbovirus transmission.
- Blood donation numbers were significantly associated with the incidence rates of all studied viruses, particularly dengue virus (DENV) in relation to local transmission.
Conclusions:
- This research provides the first fine-geographical level analysis of eight clinically relevant arboviruses in Australia.
- The findings highlight the impact of environmental factors on arbovirus transmission and blood donation rates.
- Results offer valuable insights for targeted public health interventions and blood supply management strategies in at-risk areas.
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