Is chikungunya an alphavirus?
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease first described during an outbreak in southern Tanzania in 1952. It is an RNA virus that belongs to the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae.
Is chikungunya a flavivirus?
Introduction. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) transmitted by mosquitoes. Based on the most current taxonomy of viruses, CHIKV and ZIKV belong to the Togaviridae family and the Flaviviridae family, respectively.
Which disease is caused by alphavirus?
Three Alphaviruses currently cause human disease in the United States: the Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Western equine encephalitis (WEE), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) viruses. All three are transmitted through mosquitoes and can initially present as a flulike illness.
What is the prevention of chikungunya?
There is no vaccine to prevent chikungunya virus infection. The best way to prevent chikungunya is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
Who is the carrier of chikungunya?
Chikungunya virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. People are the primary host of chikungunya virus during epidemic periods. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person who already has the virus.
What is genus flavivirus?
The Flaviviridae are a family of positive, single-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses. They are found in arthropods, (primarily ticks and mosquitoes), and can occasionally infect humans. Members of this family belong to a single genus, Flavivirus, and cause widespread morbidity and mortality throughout the world.
Which of the following are common clinical symptom of alphavirus infection?
Alphavirus infections are characterized by the triad of fever, arthralgia and rash. These clinical features occur abruptly after an incubation period of 2–10 days. In the early phase, fever, muscle pains, malaise and headache dominate the clinical picture.
Is rubella an alphavirus?
Rubella Virus. Rubella virus is the sole member of the genus Rubivirus and belongs to the Togaviridae family together with alphaviruses (see subsequent text).
Can I get chikungunya twice?
Can you get chikungunya twice? No, only once; then protective antibodies are developed. According to the evidence available to date, there should be life-long immunity.
How long will chikungunya last?
Most people recover fully, with symptoms resolving in three to 10 days. For some people, joint pain may continue for months, or even years. Death from complications of chikungunya is very rare, but the virus sometimes causes severe problems, mostly in older adults with other chronic illnesses.