Emerging Arboviruses in the Americas: Epidemiology, Public Health Impact, and Future Preparedness

Arboviruses have become a major public health concern in the Americas, affecting millions of people and straining healthcare systems across the region. The rapid spread of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, along with the recent emergence of other arboviruses such as Oropouche, highlights the dynamic nature of these viral threats. Factors such as climate change, increased human mobility, and urbanization have facilitated the spread of vectors, making it essential to adapt our public health strategies. This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of arbovirus epidemiology and promote innovative approaches to control and prevention, ultimately reducing the public health burden across the Americas.

The objective of this Research Topic is to address the current epidemiological challenges posed by emerging arboviruses in the Americas and to explore future strategies to enhance preparedness and response. We aim to highlight key areas such as improving surveillance systems, identifying public health vulnerabilities, enhancing diagnostic tools, and strengthening cross-border collaboration. By compiling state-of-the-art research and case studies, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the public health impact of arboviruses and promote the development of proactive measures for future epidemic preparedness.

This Research Topic will explore the epidemiology, public health impact, and preparedness for emerging arboviruses in the Americas. We invite contributions that cover a wide range of themes, including but not limited to different aspects of arbovirus outbreaks

- Surveillance and outbreak detection systems;
- Epidemiological modelling;
- The role of climate and environmental factors;
- Advancements in diagnostic tools;
- Vaccine development;
- Vector control strategies;
- Socio-economic impacts;
- Clinical and laboratory aspects;
- Disease burden in terms of both mortality and morbidity.

Manuscripts that address the public health response to arbovirus outbreaks, cross-border collaboration, and community-based prevention strategies are particularly encouraged.

We welcome various types of manuscripts, including original research articles, systematic reviews, mini-reviews, case studies, opinion pieces, and perspective articles. Case reports and case studies should only be submitted to Frontiers in Medicine, the other article types can be submitted to Frontiers in Public Health, Frontiers in Microbiology or Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. Submissions should contribute to the understanding of current challenges and propose innovative solutions to improve public health preparedness and response to arbovirus epidemics in the region.

Keywords: Oropuche virus, Chikungunya, Dengue, Arbovirus, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Preparedness, Oropuche

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.