ARBOVIRUS DISEASE IN PAPUA-NEW-GUINEA

It is clear that exposure to arthropod-borne viruses is common in the populations of both Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya. Clinical disease resulting from these infections has been reported although the paucity of case reports and combined clinical experience suggest that it is r are. Dengue epidemics due to dengue-1 and dengue-2 have occurred and i t is likely that dengue-3 is also present in the region. No cases of d engue haemorrhagic fever have been described. Murray Valley encephalit is, Ross River and antigenically related viruses are widespread in Pap ua New Guinea and Irian Jaya, particularly in the lowland and coastal areas. Antibodies to Japanese encephalitis virus have not been found i n blood samples from Papua New Guinea or Irian Jaya. As Papua New Guin ea is developed, new areas of the country are opened up and ecosystems are altered. It is important that physicians based in Papua New Guine a, and those who deal with patients living or working here, are aware of the arbovirus diseases which occur and the potential and preventabl e problems posed by them to both the individual and the community.