DENGUE VIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Dengue viruses refer to a group of viral pathogens belonging to the Flaviviridae family, specifically within the Flavivirus genus. These viruses are responsible for causing dengue fever, a prevalent mosquito-borne viral infection that primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Dengue viruses are single-stranded RNA viruses, meaning their genetic material consists of a single strand of ribonucleic acid. There are four distinct serotypes of dengue virus, named DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Each serotype possesses unique genetic characteristics, but they all share similar clinical manifestations and transmission patterns.
Transmission of the dengue virus occurs through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. These mosquito species serve as vectors, acquiring the virus when they feed on the blood of an infected individual and subsequently transmitting it to another person through subsequent bites. Dengue viruses can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
Symptoms of dengue fever typically include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and mild bleeding. In some cases, the infection can progress to a severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, characterized by plasma leakage, organ failure, and, in severe cases, death.
Prevention of dengue viruses primarily involves vector control measures such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and the use of protective measures such as mosquito nets and insect repellents. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, with management focused on relieving symptoms and supportive care for severe cases. Vacc
Common Misspellings for DENGUE VIRUSES
- sengue viruses
- xengue viruses
- cengue viruses
- fengue viruses
- rengue viruses
- eengue viruses
- dwngue viruses
- dsngue viruses
- ddngue viruses
- drngue viruses
- d4ngue viruses
- d3ngue viruses
- debgue viruses
- demgue viruses
- dejgue viruses
- dehgue viruses
- denfue viruses
- denvue viruses
- denbue viruses
- denhue viruses
Etymology of DENGUE VIRUSES
The word "dengue" is believed to have originated from the Swahili phrase "ki denga pepo", which means "cramp-like seizure caused by an evil spirit". The term was first used in the 19th century when the viral disease was commonly observed in East Africa and was associated with symptoms resembling those of possession by evil spirits.
As for the word "viruses", it is derived from the Latin word "virus", which originally referred to a poisonous fluid or venom. Over time, the term evolved to encompass any infectious agent capable of causing disease.
Combined, "dengue viruses" refer to a group of viruses belonging to the family Flaviviridae that cause the disease known as dengue fever.
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