Arthropod-Borne and Rodent-Borne Infections in Peru From 1990 to 2022

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology and Tropical Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Virology and Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Arboviral and rodent-borne infections represent significant public health threats, particularly to military personnel in austere deployed settings.
• The U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) SOUTH established a long-term febrile illness surveillance program in Peru in 1990.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct comprehensive surveillance for arboviral and rodent-borne infections in Peru.
• To identify novel viral agents and understand their circulation patterns.
• To contribute to public health strategies and force health protection.

Main Methods:

• Established a nationwide febrile illness surveillance network across 33 health facilities in Peru.
• Employed advanced techniques to maximize virus detection and identification.
• Conducted epidemiological and etiological investigations over three decades.

Main Results:

• Identified the circulation of known arboviruses including dengue, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Mayaro, and Oropouche viruses.
• Discovered novel viruses such as Eastern equine encephalitis, encephalomyocarditis, Guaroa, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Rio Mamore viruses.
• Characterized 16 novel arboviruses and rodent-borne viruses through extensive surveillance.

Conclusions:

• Three decades of surveillance have significantly expanded the understanding of viral diversity in Peru.
• The discovery of novel pathogens is critical for developing effective public health interventions.
• This research bolsters force health protection for deployed military personnel and partner nations.