Flavivirus (None broadly used; sometimes FV in limited contexts)

Flavivirus is a genus of enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses of about 50–60 nm diameter, characterized by icosahedral symmetry and transmission primarily by arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, ticks), except for some like hepatitis C virus which is blood-borne[1][2][3][4][5][6]. The Flavivirus genus contains over 70 viruses, including several that cause serious human diseases: Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Japanese Encephalitis, and Yellow Fever, among others. Infection leads to a broad range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to hemorrhagic fever and neuroinvasive diseases[1][3][5][6]. The Flavivirus genome encodes a single polyprotein, subsequently cleaved into three structural and seven non-structural proteins; these components interact with host cells to initiate infection and evade immune responses[1][6]. Preventive vaccines are available for some flaviviruses, but there are currently no widely effective direct-acting antivirals for the genus, making flaviviruses an ongoing public health challenge[6].

Other names

FlavivirusesFlavivirus (singular)Flaviviridae (family)Arbovirus (for vector-borne members)

Ribavirin and other antivirals (rare, limited use): inhibition of viral RNA replication, broad action on RNA polymerases Vaccines: induction of host adaptive immune response