Prospects of leveraging an existing mosquito-borne disease surveillance system to monitor other emerging mosquito-borne diseases: a systematic review of West Nile Virus surveillance in Canada (2000–2016)

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to characterize the role of the current West Nile Virus (WNV) surveillance in supporting the identification of and public health preparedness for other emerging mosquito-borne diseases in Canada. We systematically reviewed publicly accessible WNV surveillance records published within the federal, provincial (n = 10), territorial (n = 3), and regional health authorities (n = 95) between 2000 and 2016. We describe the strategic approaches and activities to WNV surveillance from 124 websites, four public health databases, and three custom Google search engines. WNV surveillance in Canada can address emerging mosquito-borne diseases. However, surveillance practices are likely to underestimate the true risks. Prioritizing and strengthening WNV surveillance by all levels of the Canadian Government through timely surveillance measures, consistent and representative data for accurate prediction of trends and risks are recommended.