Cache Valley virus (CVV), a member of the Bunyaviridae family, genus Orthobunyavirus, is an arthropod-borne virus that primarily affects animals, particularly ruminants such as sheep and goats. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, with several mosquito species acting as vectors. CVV was first identified in 1956 in the Cache Valley region of Utah, United States, from where it derived its name.
The Cache Valley virus typically causes mild to moderate symptoms in infected animals, including fever, decreased milk production, and miscarriages in pregnant females. Additionally, young animals may experience neurological symptoms such as hindlimb paralysis or even death. In humans, although infection is relatively rare, exposure to CVV can result in mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.
CVV is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus that undergoes a complex replication cycle, involving both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. The virus primarily replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells, leading to the production of viral progeny. Understanding the genetic and antigenic properties of CVV is crucial for the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral therapies.
Due to its impact on agricultural productivity and potential zoonotic transmission, Cache Valley virus is a subject of ongoing research and surveillance. Public health interventions and strategies are aimed at controlling mosquito populations and implementing appropriate preventive measures to minimize the risk of transmission to humans and animals.
