This website is intended to give an introduction to the viral family Togaviridae. Below is a quick summary of the key members, along with additional information provided by following the links. Please enjoy.
Togaviridae is divided into two main taxonomic genera: Alphavirus and Rubivirus
Genus Rubivirus has only one member which causes disease in humans; Rubella virus. This virus causes one of the "red rashes of childhood," and was common until the creation of the rubella vaccine.
Alphaviruses are, as we in H&V like to call them, the rollar coaster viruses, "WEE EEE VEE!". These viruses are transmitted by insect vectors, and are the family which makes up group A of arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses).
The 12 viruses in this group which are associated with human disease are:
- Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE)
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
- Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE)
- Everglades Equine Encephalitis (EVE)
- Barmah Forest Virus (BFV)
- Chikungunya Virus (CHIK)
- Getah (GET)
- Mayaro Virus (MAY)
- O'nyong-nyong Fever Virus (ONN)
- Ross River Virus (RR)
- Semliki Forest Virus (SF)
- Sindbis (SIN)