Getah Virus (Alphavirus): An Emerging, Spreading Zoonotic Virus

Getah virus (GETV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes, belonging to the Togaviridae family, Alphavirus genus. It was first isolated from mosquitoes in Malaysia in 1955, being widespread in island countries in the South Pacific region. Since the beginning of the 21st century, GETV expanded its range and geographical distribution from low-latitude tropical regions to 60 degrees north latitude, being isolated from 17 different species of mosquitoes belonging to five genera of Culicidae (Culex, Anopheles, Armigeres, Aedes and Mansonia), as well as from midges in Eurasia. Molecular genetic evolution analysis revealed large molecular differences between the mosquitoes currently circulating Eurasia and those in the South Pacific in 1950s. The number of disease outbreaks caused by GETV in animals is increasing alongside the types of animals infected, from horses and pigs to cattle, blue foxes and red pandas. The disease burden is severely underestimated, and the economic cost to livestock production remains unknown. Herein, we review GETV temporal and spatial distribution, molecular genetic evolution, transmission and data on disease outbreaks. This work provides a reference for public health workers engaged in GETV research and zoonotic disease prevention and control.

Automated summary

The Getah virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes, and its distribution has expanded from the South Pacific region to northern latitudes in the 21st century. This virus has evolved genetically and can infect various species of mosquitoes and animals. The number of disease outbreaks caused by Getah virus in animals has been increasing, and its burden and economic impact on livestock production remain underestimated. This review provides valuable information for public health workers involved in Getah virus research and zoonotic disease prevention and control.