Researchers have been urged to carry out study on ‘Viral specie jump’, causing danger to humans.
A Microbiologist, Prof Olatunji Kolawole of the University of Ilorin made the call in his research publication titled: “Arbovirus, Viral species jumps and a note to health care providers-The Knockdown”.
He explained that arbovirus refers to a group of viruses that are transmitted through arthropods.
The don who teaches in the Faculty of Life Sciences of the University, said they are also major causes of viral hemorrhagic fever including; West Nile virus, Zika virus, Rift valley fever virus, yellow fever and Chikungunya virus among others.
According to him, the major problem associated with these viruses is that they are primarily of animal origin and have consistently finding more suitability in human host.
“This has become a lot more common due to viral species jumps. Viral specie jumps often occur when a virus gains the capacity to infect and spread among individuals of a new host species.
“This was common with SARS Coronavirus, HIV and Influenza A virus, ” he said.
Kolawole observed that the ease with which zoonotic viruses are evolving and constituting serious health challenges in Nigeria and other developing countries is alarming.
He said viruses like Rift Valley Fever (RVF), West Nile virus which is primarily a zoonotic Virus is now being easily transmitted to human via vectors.
“This coupled with the fear of potential outbreak of another viral hemorrhagic fever has made arbovirus studies a key researchers areas as transcend throughout the viral world ‘ he said.
The Virologist urge Health practitioners in Nigeria to acquaint themselves with the typical clinical signs and symptoms of arbovirus infections in order to avoid missed diagnosis, prevent proliferation of possible diseases, and reduce associated case fatalities.
“The prevention of arbovirus infection is dependent in eliminating the risk factors that promote the survival of vectors responsible for their transmission.
“It is therefore recommended that stagnant water, bushes, and trees that can serve as their habitat are cleared in order to prevent the prevalence of the vectors,” he said.
He also advised that in areas where there is possibility of an outbreak, residents should take cognizance of these viruses and be encouraged to clear standing water in and around their homes and offices where mosquitoes could breed.
“Clogged drainages should be cleared, as well as any other it’s like discarded tyres that could store up water for the vector breeding.
“Hospital laboratories should employ diagnostic tools that could be used in detection of arboviral infections to limit the possibility of missed diagnostic, ” he advised.
