From mosquitoes to menace: Unveiling the dangers of West Nile virus in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan, a subtropical nation, has seen a rapid rise in Arboviral transmission in the past decade. Environmental hazards such as intense monsoon rains and yearly floods in addition to unsanitary living conditions pose an increased risk of arboviral infections. In recent years, the emergence and spread of West Nile virus (WNV), which can lead to a life-threatening meningoencephalitis, in Pakistan has alarmed the health care authorities of an impending outbreak. Health professionals and policymakers should give paramount importance to prevent its transmission across Pakistan as another arboviral outbreak would wreak havoc on the already fragile health infrastructure of the country. Proactive surveillance and prompt reporting are crucial for mitigating this threat as there are no vaccines available to prevent WNV infection.