Back to Where It Was First Described: Vectors of Sylvatic Yellow Fever Transmission in the 2017 Outbreak in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

Evidence of sylvatic yellow fever was first reported in Atlantic Forest areas in Espírito Santo, Brazil, during a yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak in 1931. An entomological survey was conducted in six forest sites during and after an outbreak reported ~80 years after the last case in the area. Among 10,658 mosquitoes of 78 species, <i>Haemagogus leucocelaenus,</i> and <i>Hg. janthinomys</i>/<i>capricornii</i> were considered the main vectors as they had a relatively high abundance, co-occurred in essentially all areas, and showed high YFV infection rates. <i>Sabethes chloropterus</i>, <i>Sa. soperi</i>, <i>Sa. identicus</i>, <i>Aedes aureolineatus</i>, and <i>Shannoniana fluviatilis</i> may have a secondary role in transmission. This is the first report of <i>Sa. identicus</i>, <i>Ae. aureolineatus</i>, and <i>Sh. fluviatilis</i> infected with YFV. Our study emphasizes the importance of entomological monitoring and maintenance of high vaccination coverage in receptive areas to YFV transmission.