• Etymology of Togaviridae based on Latin “cloak,” referencing the virus’ envelope.
  • Togaviridae and Flaviviridae split due to differences in molecular biology
  • Two Genera: Alphavirus and Rubivirus, separated via differences in transmission
  • Teratogen: Congenital Rubella Syndrome associated with autism in children who’s mother was infected
  • Vaccine is available for Rubella as a part of the trivalent MMR, made of live, attenuated virus strain.
  • One of the Red Rashes of childhood, Rubella was a common viral exanthema in young children before the creation of the vaccine.
  • Toga Alphaviruses comprise group A of Arboviruses: arthropod borne viral diseases.
  • Encephalitis is caused by infection of the “roller coaster” alphaviruses: WEE, VEE, EEE, EVE
  • Febrile, polyarthritic disease associated with infection of the other alphaviruses (see intro page for list)
  • Eradication:  Rubella is effectively eradicated in the US due to vaccination.  Meanwhile, non human reservoirs prevent the eradication of many alphavirsues.