Dengue and chikungunya in travelers: recent updates

Purpose of review Dengue virus (DENV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) cause significant morbidity in many world regions and their epidemiology, pathogenesis, vector issues, and control and prevention continue to fascinate researchers. This review focuses on the progress in these areas in the past 2 years. Recent findings Recent studies have highlighted the features of the epidemiology of DENV and CHIKV in Africa, some places of transmission being detected through travelers as sentinels. Autochthonous transmission of both viruses has been documented in France, raising concern regarding the potential for outbreaks where a competent vector, Aedes albopictus, is present. Some aspects of immune response following DENV and CHIKV infections have been elucidated. New diagnostic techniques for DENV have been explored as well as treatment for CHIKV. Research on Wolbachia as a means of biologic control of mosquito-borne infections including DENV and CHIKV has made significant progress. Summary These studies further our understanding of the evolving DENV and CHIKV epidemiology and potential transmission in nonendemic regions, and can contribute to the assessment of travelers. The new information on immunological responses to these viruses influences the vaccine development. Risk factors for severe disease and new therapeutic options could improve current treatment. Finally, research on Wolbachia holds promise in these two important vector-borne viral infections.