Arbovirus Vectors of Epidemiological Concern in East Africa: A systematic review of entomological studies (1940-2020)

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Emerging and re-emerging arboviral infections are increasing global public health concerns due to their rapid geographical spread and burden. In the East African region, knowledge of the diversity and distribution of their shared vectors remains incomplete. This review summarizes the state of the entomological studies on the mosquito vectors of arboviruses such as Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever, Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya fever viruses and the risk factors affecting virus transmission. The rationale of this systematic review was to characterize entomological studies that have been conducted in the East African region and establish the trend of epidemics of various arboviral infections from 1940-2020 to fill the existing knowledge gap.