Reston

Reston is a virus that belongs to the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus and Marburg virus. It was first discovered in 1989 in Reston, Virginia, USA, during an outbreak of a disease in cynomolgus macaque monkeys imported from the Philippines. Hence, it was named after the location of its discovery.

Discovery

The Reston virus was discovered when a number of cynomolgus macaques, imported from the Philippines, died in a primate facility in Reston, Virginia. The virus was initially mistaken for the Simian hemorrhagic fever virus, but upon further investigation, it was identified as a new strain of the Filoviridae family.

Characteristics

Reston virus is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus. It is filamentous in shape, similar to other members of the Filoviridae family. The virus is known to cause severe disease in non-human primates, but unlike other filoviruses, it has not been associated with disease in humans.

Transmission

The exact mode of transmission of the Reston virus is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their bodily fluids. The virus has also been found in the air of facilities housing infected monkeys, suggesting that it may be capable of airborne transmission.

Prevention and Control

There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Reston virus. Prevention measures include strict quarantine procedures for imported monkeys and regular testing of animals in primate facilities. In the event of an outbreak, infected animals are usually euthanized to prevent the spread of the virus.

See Also

• Ebola virus
• Marburg virus
• Filoviridae
• Virus