Dengue virus

Dengue virus is a type of virus that causes dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical disease. It is a member of the Flaviviridae family, specifically from the genus Flavivirus. Other members of the same genus include yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and several other viruses which may cause encephalitis.

Structure and genome

The dengue virus is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. The virus is spherical and approximately 50 nm in diameter. Its genome is approximately 11,000 bases long and encodes a single polyprotein that is post-translationally cleaved to form three structural proteins and seven nonstructural proteins.

Transmission

Dengue virus is primarily transmitted by female mosquitoes of the species Aedes aegypti. This mosquito also transmits chikungunya, Zika fever, and yellow fever. The virus can also be transmitted via infected blood products and through organ donation.

Pathogenesis

In humans, the virus causes dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. Once a person is infected with the virus, incubation period ranges from 3–14 days before the onset of symptoms. The illness begins abruptly and is followed by the three phases; febrile, critical, and recovery.

Prevention and control

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. For severe dengue symptoms, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, hospitalization is often required. Efforts to prevent the spread of dengue virus include the elimination of mosquito breeding sites and the use of mosquito nets and repellents. In 2019, the World Health Organization endorsed the use of the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in those who have had a prior infection.

See also

• Dengue fever
• Dengue vaccine
• Aedes aegypti
• Flavivirus