Alphavirus infection
Alphavirus Infection
Alphavirus infection (pronunciation: al-fa-vi-rus in-fek-shun) is a type of viral infection caused by the Alphavirus genus of the Togaviridae family.
Etymology
The term "Alphavirus" is derived from the first letter of the Greek alphabet, alpha, indicating its position as the first genus in the Togaviridae family. The term "infection" comes from the Latin "infectio", meaning the act of infecting.
Definition
Alphavirus infection refers to the disease caused by any virus in the Alphavirus genus. These viruses are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause a range of illnesses, from mild fever to severe encephalitis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Alphavirus infection can vary depending on the specific virus but often include fever, joint pain, rash, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to encephalitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain.
Related Terms
- Arbovirus: A term used for any virus that is transmitted by arthropods, such as mosquitoes or ticks. Alphaviruses are a type of arbovirus.
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, which can be caused by severe Alphavirus infections.
- Togaviridae: The family of viruses that includes the Alphavirus genus.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of Alphavirus infection primarily involves avoiding mosquito bites. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying indoors at peak mosquito times. Treatment is usually supportive, focusing on relieving symptoms as there is no specific antiviral treatment for Alphavirus infections.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alphavirus infection
- Wikipedia's article - Alphavirus infection
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