Infection rate of arboviruses in Dutch recruits returning from Surinam

Paired serum samples from approximately 650 Dutch recruits residing temporarily in Surinam, the first sample being collected on arrival, the second when leaving the country, were examined for haemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies to two types of arbovirus (Mucambo and Restan) isolated from local mosquitoes, and to two types of arbovirus (Oriboca and Caraparu) isolated from human blood. In a group of inidviduals in whom mild febrile illness had been reported, antibodies had developed in 3.9 to 6.7%, and in a group without reported history of febrile illness in 3.0 to 47% for each of the viruses.