Travel-Imported Arbovirus infections and mHealth applications for outbreak Risk Assessment: ZIeKA monitor part 2

In recent years, the observed number and the risk of (re)emerging
mosquito-borne infections among human populations have increased substantially.
This is attributed to a variety of reasons, including climate change, pathogen
adaptation, human behavior modifying the ecosystem of mosquitos, improved
diagnostic tests, and increased human worldwide mobility and trade. Until
recently such infections were considered of minor public health relevance to
populations not residing in tropical areas. This has now changed. The continued
importation of vectors and the expansion of a suitable habitat within Europe
increases the potential for establishment of mosquito borne disease in new
regions. In particular, the invasive mosquitos Aedes Albopictus and Aedes
Aegypti, the main vectors for Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika and Yellow Fever
present a significant health concern. These mosquitos are now widespread in
Southern Europe, where already sustained local transmission of several
mosquito-borne diseases, such as Dengue (Madeira, France, Croatia) and
Chikungunya (Italy, France) has occurred. As the risk of (re)establishment of
vectors upon importation in the Netherlands cannot be ignored.

Our primary objective is to enable rapid estimation of the current and future
risks of importation into the Netherlands of major
arboviral Aedes-borne diseases (Dengue, Chikunguya, Zika and Yellow Fever
viruses). The possibility of (re)establishment of
competent vectors for these mosquito-borne infections in the Netherlands in the
foreseeable future necessitates timely
preparation.

Observational study nested in the first part of the ZIeKA monitor. Travelers
who participate in part 1 of the ZIeKA monitor are eligible. We will ask these
travelers to collect blood at home through a finger prick for arbovirus
diagnostics.

The risk associated with participation will be low. We ask travelers who have a
suspected arbovirus infection to collect a bloodsample at home. The materials
for the self-collected blood sample will be sent to their home address and can
be returned via regular mail.