Arboviruses circulation in Guinea: Overview and perspectives for public health

Arboviruses constitute a major global public health concern, particularly in countries with fragile healthcare systems. However, data on arbovirus circulation remain fragmented and under-analysed. This study aimed to document the historical and current circulation of arboviruses in Guinea and propose public health strategies to enhance surveillance, prevention, and control.

We compiled reports of arbovirus-related human epidemics in Guinea from 2000 to 2024, drawing information from Guinea's weekly epidemiological bulletins, as well as from the World Health Organization's Weekly Bulletin on Outbreaks and Other Emergencies, the Africa CDC's Weekly Event-Based Surveillance Report, and the Annual Global Yellow Fever Update reports. In addition, a literature review was conducted to identify studies on arboviruses involving arboviruses in humans, vectors, and animals. Between 2000 and 2024, multiple and simultaneous arboviral outbreaks were reported by surveillance systems, involving three arboviruses: yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue virus (DENV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). YFV outbreaks were the most recurrent, with 947 confirmed cases and 284 deaths, corresponding to a case fatality rate of 30%. Moreover, 17 studies documented the circulation of several arboviruses in humans, vectors, and animals, including DENV, YFV, CHIKV, Zika virus (ZIKV), and West Nile (WNV). Novel viruses such as Kindia virus, Forécariah virus, and Kolente virus have also been identified. Serological evidence in human reported IgM seroprevalence ranging from 1.2% to 14.7% for ZIKV, 4.3% to 12.2% for YFV, and 0.6% to 2.1% for DENV. Additionally, other studies were also reported IgM seroprevalence of 23.4% for WNV, 17.0% for CHIKV, and 10.6% for TAHV. Concerning IgG serology, the studies reported seroprevalences ranging from 12.9% to 51.7% for CHIKV, 27.0% to 34.0% for WNV, 11.8% to 25.2% for DENV, and 2.2% to 3.0% for CCHFV. Furthermore, IgG seroprevalences of 28.5% for YFV and 5.5% for BATV were reported.

This study highlights the circulation of several arboviruses in Guinea across human, vector animal populations. The results suggest that public health efforts should focus on community engagement, strengthened entomological and epidemiological surveillance, and multisectoral and international collaboration, to anticipate, prevent, and control future arbovirus-related epidemics.