Mayaro Virus in the Americas: A Short Review

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus of the New World and the cause of Mayaro fever. The virus is endemic to tropical forests of Central and South America and has been detected in two Caribbean countries. It has captured the attention of public health authorities in the Americas following outbreaks of Mayaro fever therein, especially as most of the population is immunologically naïve, yet little is known about the virus. Whereas most MAYV infections are asymptomatic, Mayaro fever can manifest as a debilitating arthritogenic disease, with symptoms like those encountered in severe cases of Chikungunya fever. There is no specific treatment for Mayaro fever, and anti-MAYV vaccines are not available. A synopsis of the virus’ properties, its epidemiology, transmission, and maintenance in nature, and clinical aspects of Mayaro fever are presented in this review article.