Dengue Virus
Group IV, Flaviviridae, Flavivirus, Dengue Virus
Dengue Fever
Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a rash. In severe cases hemorrhaging and going into shock is possible. They begin on average 4-7 days after infection. In mild cases, recovery takes 2-7 days by way of intravenal fluids and re-hydration.
Virus Structure
A. aegypti
Dengue virus is spread by the vector and host- mosquito A. aegypti. Common hosts are humans and the occasional primate.
Infection
Approximately 50- 528 million people are infected each year, and 10-20,000 die as a result of this.
Solutions
There is no cure for the dengue virus as of yet, though vaccines and drugs are under development. It can be treated and controlled, however, and sometimes blood transfusions are needed. Prevention methods include staying indoors during mosquito prone times, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated.
Proteins and Nucleic Acid
The C-protein of the dengue virus is essential for encapsidation of the RNA genome but its indiscernible structure contributes to the uniqueness of the dengue virus core. The E and M proteins are noncapsid proteins that attach to different cells and give the virus means of reproduction. The RNA of the dengue virus has a 10.7-kb genome, and dengue is a virion.