# A comprehensive review on the epidemiology of arboviruses in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO): insights from the WHO’s Regional Office

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the spread of arboviruses in the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighting which viruses are most active and the need for better tracking.

## Contribution

A comprehensive epidemiological review of arboviruses in the EMRO region with a focus on recent data and localized transmission patterns.

## Key findings

- CCHFV, CHIKV, DENV, and WNV are confirmed to be endemic in parts of the EMRO region.
- DENV outbreaks are identified as a major public health concern in the region.
- Variability in prevalence rates suggests the need for improved surveillance and diagnostics.

## Abstract

Arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) pose an ongoing public health threat in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) of the World Health Organization. This review summarizes the epidemiology of major arboviruses – including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), West Nile virus (WNV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) in EMRO countries based on data from 2014–2023. Reported prevalence rates varied considerably between studies and countries, indicating localized transmission intensity. Overall, serological evidence confirms endemic circulation of CCHFV, CHIKV, DENV, and WNV in parts of the region. Large DENV outbreaks highlight it as a key concern. More systematic surveillance and standardized diagnostics are needed to characterize arbovirus epidemiology across the region and inform control strategies.