The epidemiological and evolutionary dynamics of Getah virus in China

Getah virus (GETV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen, is a member of the genus Alphavirus within the family Togaviridae . Recent outbreaks of GETV infection in multiple regions of China have led to increased incidences of sow miscarriage and high mortality in suckling piglets, exhibiting enhanced virulence and rapid transmission that posing a substantial threat to the livestock industry and public health. Since its initial isolation in Malaysia in 1955, GETV has long been considered a pathogen of low pathogenicity. However, recent outbreaks attributed to virulence-enhanced genotype III (GIII) variant strains have been reported across numerous pig farms in China, with the mode of transmission shifting from regional and sporadic to a localized epidemic pattern. In parallel, the host range of GETV is expanding beyond traditional domestic animals such as horses, pigs and cattle, to include wildlife species like blue foxes, bears, among others. Additionally, GETV antibodies have been detected in the blood of febrile patients. In light of ongoing global warming, the threat posed by GETV infections has been significantly underestimated. Herein, this review systematically examines the genomic architecture, origins, epidemiological features, recent prevalence patterns, and evolutionary dynamics of GETV, with the objective of informing future strategies for its prevention and control.