Reservoirs of Getah virus: an update review

Getah virus (GETV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus whose cross-species transmission poses a potential threat to both animal and public health. Studies have revealed that the reservoir range of GETV is broad, ranging from primary vectors (e.g., mosquitoes) and key amplifying hosts (e.g., horses and pigs) to a variety of newly identified hosts such as foxes, cattle, red pandas, and squirrels. Notably, although no confirmed clinical cases in humans have been reported to date, serological evidence from healthy individuals and febrile patients in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Oceania suggests possible subclinical or past infections. Furthermore, the detection of GETV in wastewater treatment plants and its contamination of veterinary vaccines underscore the risks of environmental and iatrogenic transmission. These findings demonstrate the broad host diversity and multiple transmission routes of GETV, highlighting the need to monitor and mitigate its cross-species transmission risks. This review comprehensively summarizes the known reservoirs of GETV, with the aim of informing future research and control strategies.