AUTHOR=Seok Sangwoo , Raz Camellia D. , Miller Julianna H. , Malcolm Ashley N. , Eason Maya D. , Romero-Weaver Ana L. , Giordano Bryan V. , Jacobsen Christopher M. , Wang Xiaodi , Akbari Omar S. , Raban Robyn , Mathias Derrick K. , Caragata Eric P. , Vorsino Adam E. , Chiu Joanna C. , Lee Yoosook TITLE=Arboviral disease outbreaks, Aedes mosquitoes, and vector control efforts in the Pacific JOURNAL=Frontiers in Tropical Diseases VOLUME=4 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/tropical-diseases/articles/10.3389/fitd.2023.1035273 DOI=10.3389/fitd.2023.1035273 ISSN=2673-7515 ABSTRACT=

Recurring outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, like dengue, in the Pacific region represent a major biosecurity risk to neighboring continents through potential introductions of disease-causing pathogens. Aedes mosquitoes, highly prevalent in this region, are extremely invasive and the predominant vectors of multiple viruses including causing dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Due to the absence of vaccines for most of these diseases, Aedes control remains a high priority for public health. Currently, international organizations put their efforts into improving mosquito surveillance programs in the Pacific region. Also, a novel biocontrol method using Wolbachia has been tried in the Pacific region to control Aedes mosquito populations. A comprehensive understanding of mosquito biology is needed to assess the risk that mosquitoes might be introduced to neighboring islands in the region and how this might impact arboviral virus transmission. As such, we present a comprehensive review of arboviral disease outbreak records as well as Aedes mosquito biology research findings relevant to the Pacific region collected from both non-scientific and scientific sources.