O'nyong'nyong virus

O'nyong'nyong virus (ONNV) is a virus that belongs to the Togaviridae family and the Alphavirus genus. It is primarily transmitted by mosquito vectors, specifically the Anopheles species. The virus is known to cause O'nyong'nyong fever, a disease that was first identified in 1959 during an epidemic in Uganda.

History

The O'nyong'nyong virus was first identified in 1959 during a major epidemic in Uganda. The epidemic spread across East Africa, affecting millions of people. The name "O'nyong'nyong" comes from the Nilotic word for "weakening," which describes the severe joint and muscle pain caused by the disease.

Virology

The O'nyong'nyong virus is a member of the Alphavirus genus, which also includes the Chikungunya virus and the Ross River virus. Like other alphaviruses, ONNV is an RNA virus with a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. The virus is enveloped and has an icosahedral capsid.

Transmission

The primary vectors for the O'nyong'nyong virus are mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus, particularly Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. These mosquitoes are also known vectors for malaria. Transmission to humans occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Clinical Manifestations

Infection with the O'nyong'nyong virus causes O'nyong'nyong fever, a disease characterized by sudden onset of fever, severe joint and muscle pain, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease is typically self-limiting and non-fatal, but it can cause significant discomfort and disability.

Prevention and Control

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for O'nyong'nyong fever. Prevention and control strategies are therefore focused on vector control, including the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and environmental management to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

See Also

• Chikungunya
• Ross River virus
• Anopheles
• Togaviridae
• Alphavirus

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