Detection of Chikungunya virus in The Gambia through a newly implemented sentinel surveillance program

We characterized 01 autochthonous chikungunya virus (CHIKV) case from (The Gambia) through a newly implemented local arboviruses surveillance program in the, highlighting the first notification of the virus in the Country. Identified virus is closely related to CHIKV West African genotype detected in Kédougou (Senegal) in 2023 and responsible of a large outbreak with up to 300 confirmed cases. This work describes the first genomic proof subregional spread of CHIKV West African genotype in West Africa. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study was funded by Africa CDC ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The Gambian National Ethical Committee of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare approved the surveillance protocol which led to the obtention of human sera as less than minimal risk research, and written consent were not required. Throughout the study, the database was shared with the Service Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of the Gambia for appropriate public health action. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors