DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL OF FLAVIVIRUSES IN HUMAN POPULATION

Abstract

The aim of this study is development of a model for monitoring and control of vector-transmitted diseases, which manifest increasing tendency during the last few decades. Th e main infection reservoirs are domestic and wild animals as well as various birds, and the disease is transmitted to humans indirectly - by vectors. Recently detected epidemics of Dengue virus, Chikungunya and West Nile virus in countries where these diseases are not common strongly indicate the expansion of infections transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors, and are the consequence of climatic changes, international trade and travelling. Currently, there are neither vaccines nor specific antiviral therapy for these infections, while the efforts put on vector control did not halt the rapid increase and global spread of the disease. Serological studies and molecular investigation on humans, mosquitoes, horses and birds have suggested the activity of flaviviruses in Serbia. The obtained information on fl avivirus infections in our region are of use in modelling the control and vector monitoring and the prevention of these infections in humans.