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🦠microbiology review

Flavivirus

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Flavivirus is a genus of viruses in the family Flaviviridae, typically transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks. These viruses are known to cause various serious diseases affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Flaviviruses include significant human pathogens such as dengue virus, Zika virus, West Nile virus, and yellow fever virus.
  2. They primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes or ticks, making vector control an essential public health measure.
  3. Symptoms can range from mild febrile illness to severe conditions like hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis.
  4. The viral genome is composed of single-stranded positive-sense RNA.
  5. Vaccines are available for some flaviviruses, such as yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.

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