First evidence of concurrent enzootic and endemic transmission of Ross River virus in the absence of marsupial reservoirs in Fiji

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Ross River virus (RRV) is a zoonotic alphavirus transmitted by several mosquito species. Until recently, endemic transmission was only considered possible in the presence of marsupial reservoirs. METHODS:We investigated RRV seroprevalence in placental mammals, including horses, cows, goats, pigs, dogs, rats, and mice in Fiji, where there are no marsupials. A total of 302 vertebrate serum samples were collected from 86 households from 10 communities in Western Fiji. FINDINGS:Neutralizing antibodies against RRV were detected in 28 to 100% of sera depending on species, and neutralization was strong even at high dilutions. SIGNIFICANCE:Our results are unlikely to be due to cross reactions; Chikungunya is the only other alphavirus known to be present in the Pacific Islands, but it rarely spills over into non-humans, even during epidemics. Our findings, together with recent report of high RRV seroprevalence in humans, strongly suggest that RRV is circulating in Fiji in the absence of marsupial reservoirs. Considering that all non-human vertebrates present in Fiji are panglobal in distribution, RRV has the potential to further expand its geographic range. Further surveillance and access to diagnostics of RRV is critical for the early detection of emergence and outbreaks.