Arthropod-borne viral infections of man in Nigeria, 1964–1970

TLDR

Arboviruses were isolated from humans in Nigeria between 1964 and 1970, with 171 viruses spanning 15 types. The study found that isolation peaked in 1969, was lowest in 1965 and 1967, activity was highest during the rainy season (June–August), predominantly affected children aged one to four, and identified chikungunya, yellow fever, dengue types 1 and 2, and Tataguine as the most common viruses, while also reporting first‑time isolation of Bunyamwera group viruses and several novel agents such as Zika, Igbo‑Ora, Dugbe, and others.

Abstract

During the years 1964 to 1970, 171 arboviruses of 15 different types were isolated from humans in Nigeria. Isolation rates were highest in 1969, and lowest in 1965 and 1967. Monthly arbovirus activity was highest in the rainy season months of June, July and August and lowest in the dry months of January and February. Viruses were isolated from all age groups, with the majority from children one to four years old. The viruses isolated in largest numbers were chikungunya and yellow fever, which caused epidemics in 1969, and dengue types 1 and 2 and Tataguine, which are endemic in Ibadan. Bwamba virus was isolated in 1964 and 1969, and Bunyamwera group viruses were encountered for the first time in 1969. Other viruses recovered less frequently were Zika, Igbo-Ora (an agent related to o'nyong-nyong), two viruses related to the Uganda mosquito virus Ug MP 359, Dugbe, Thogoto, Lebombo and Shuni. Several of these are new agents and have not previously been isolated from man. Clinical details are presented where available.