infections
Overview of Arbovirus, Arenavirus, and Filovirus Infections
Prevention
Because there are so many different arboviruses, it is often easier and cheaper to control arbovirus infections by controlling the arthropods that spread them and preventing exposure to the virus (including preventing mosquito and tick bites) than by developing specific vaccines or drug treatments. Controlling mosquitoes is difficult, but new approaches are being developed and tested. In addition to using chemical pesticides, scientists are genetically modifying mosquitoes, releasing sterilized male mosquitoes into the environment, or infecting mosquitoes with a bacteria that blocks virus infection in the mosquitoes. Infections spread by mosquitoes or ticks can often be prevented by the following: Reduce or limit infection in vector populations Wear clothing that covers as much of the body as possible Use insect repellants, such as DEET (diethyltoluamide) Wear clothing that has been coated with the insecticidepermethrin Avoid exposure to the mosquito or tick as much as possible For example, to help prevent mosquito bites, people can limit the time they spend outdoors in wet areas. For ticks, the following can help: Stay on paths and trails Tuck trousers into boots or socks Wear long-sleeved shirts (see sidebar) Infections spread by mice or other rodents usually result from exposure to their urine, feces, or another body fluid, which contains the virus. The following can help prevent such exposure: Before cleaning, air out closed spaces where mice have been. Before sweeping or cleaning, wet surfaces with a solution that has 10% bleach. Avoid stirring up dust. Seal openings where rodents could enter homes. Put food in rodent-proof containers. Eliminate potential nesting sites around the home. Prevention of exposure to Ebola or Marburg virus requires strict quarantine of infected people and use of isolation measures, because these viruses spread readily from person to person. For these viruses, the only effective vaccines for people that are currently widely available, including in the United States, are for Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus Infections , 