Seroepidemiology of Arboviral Infections Including Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya Among Febrile Patients in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Arboviral infections caused by dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses are emerging and re-emerging threats in tropical Africa, yet remain severely underdiagnosed in Nigeria due to limited laboratory capacity and low clinical awareness. This study investigated the seroprevalence of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya virus infections among febrile patients attending health facilities in Rivers State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional study enrolled 360 febrile patients with acute undifferentiated fever not explained by malaria or bacterial infection over a twelve-month period. Serum samples were tested for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibodies by ELISA, Zika IgM by ELISA, and chikungunya IgM/IgG by ELISA. RT-PCR was performed on IgM-positive samples. Demographic and epidemiological data were collected. Dengue seroprevalence was 22.8%, with NS1 antigen detected in 8.6% indicating recent acute infection. Chikungunya IgM positivity was 11.4%. Zika IgM was detected in 6.4%. Co-infections were documented in 4.7% of participants. Male participants and younger adults aged 20 to 40 years had higher dengue seroprevalence. Urbanisation and proximity to stagnant water were risk factors. The study confirms significant arboviral co-circulation in South South Nigeria and recommends establishment of arboviral diagnostic capacity at tertiary laboratories, inclusion of arboviral testing in febrile illness differential diagnosis algorithms, and Aedes aegypti vector surveillance and control programmes in Rivers State. Keywords: arboviral infections, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, South South Nigeria