Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika

Viral infections like dengue, chikungunya and zika are mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in certain regions of the globe, and they are a public health concern. People at risk are not just the residents of those prevalent areas but also travellers that do so as migrants or as tourists. Epidemics have been reported in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and American regions including Thailand, Cuba, Central and South America. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis may be difficult, particularly in the early phases of disease as skin rash may be non-specific. Some cases may need serological studies for confirmation. Prevention and control of the mosquito vector is paramount for prophylaxis, as well as the use of protective clothing, bed netting and insect repellents.