Simultaneous Circulation of DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV and SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil: an Inconvenient Truth

Abstract

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has prompted the mobilization of a network of public health laboratories to diagnose COVID-19 patients, trace contacts and identify hot-spot areas for active community transmission at the expense of arbovirus diagnosis and control practices. In this article, we discuss the unprecedented challenges faced by the Brazilian public health system in dealing with the incursion of SARS-CoV-2 in the midst of ongoing triple arboviral epidemics caused by dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Finally, we highlight the importance of the introduction of one health approach as an effective inter-disciplinary response and management to mitigate the catastrophic effect caused by these pathogens.

Keywords

• Arbovirus
• Coronavirus
• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• One health
• SARS-CoV-2