Arboviral Infections

Arbovirus (short for arthropod-borne) infections are caused by any number of viruses spread through arthropods such as spiders, ticks, and mosquitoes. These infections generally occur during warm weather months. There are about 570 viruses worldwide that are spread through arthropods. Mosquitoes are the most common type of organism that spreads arboviral diseases such as West Nile virus. In Utah, three mosquito-borne arboviruses that cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans have been identified: Western equine encephalitis (WEE), Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) and West Nile virus (WNV). Other types of arboviral infections include California (LaCrosse) encephalitis, dengue and yellow fever.

Related Diseases

• Arboviral Infections Factsheet

Information for Public Health Departments

• Arboviral Case Report Form
• Arboviral Disease Plan
• Disease Reporting

Resources

• Division of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases – CDC
• Environmental Protection Agency—Insect repellent information
• National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases – Tickborne Diseases
• National Pesticide Information Center
• Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, & Other Insects & Arthropods
• Tickborne Diseases – CDC