Microscope image of RVFVhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RiftValleyfever#/media/File:RiftValleyfever_tissue.jpg
Model image of RVFVhttps://cepi.net/rift-valley-fever
Virus Structure
-Spherical virus-90-100 nanometers in width (1000 times smaller than a grain of salt)-Has an envelope, a protective outer layer made of
lipids (fat)-Has outer proteins that help it bind to and enter a
host cell
Model image of RNAhttps://stock.adobe.com/search/images?k=rna&asset_id=456487834
Genetic Material
-Has 3 segments of RNA (single-stranded genetic material)-These segments control the virus’s growth and
spread-The RNA genome also dictates the creation of viral proteins-The virus’s proteins help it hide from the host cell’s immune system and with assembly of new viruses
Replication
-The virus attaches to a host cell with help from its outer proteins, often called spike proteins-The virus is then engulfed by the host cell-Once inside the cell, it forces the host to help make copies of its structure and genetic material-The new virus pieces are assembled and then burst out of the cell
Model of outer proteins (spike proteins)https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-visual-guide-to-the-sars-cov-2-coronavirus/
Rift Valley Fever
-The RVF virus causes the disease River Valley Fever-Its considered dangerous to humans and animals-Mostly found in Africa or the Middle East-Has a large effect on livestock and some people get the disease by touching the blood or tissues of infected animals-The virus is spread mostly by mosquitos-Outbreaks happen during years with heavy rain and floods
Sheephttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheep#/media/File:Flockofsheep.jpg
Mosquito biting a personhttps://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311485#symptoms
Rift Valley Fever
-Symptoms are usually mild (ex: dizziness, weakness, fever)-Around 1% of infected people die from the disease-There is no approved vaccine for humans-Human vaccine trials are still happening-There are approved animal vaccines-People with the disease can usually get better without any treatment
Sources
Bouloy, M., & Weber, F. (2010). Molecular biology of rift valley Fever virus. Open Virol J, 4, 8-14. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874357901004020008CDC. (2024). About Rift Valley Fever (RFV). https://www.cdc.gov/rift-valley-fever/about/index.htmlJenkin, D., Wright, D., Folegatti, P. M., Platt, A., Poulton, I., Lawrie, A., Tran, N., Boyd, A., Turner, C., Gitonga, J. N., Karanja, H. K., Mugo, D., Ewer, K. J., Bowden, T. A., Gilbert, S. C., Charleston, B., Kaleebu, P., Hill, A. V. S., & Warimwe, G. M. (2023). Safety and immunogenicity of a ChAdOx1 vaccine against Rift Valley fever in UK adults: an open-label, non-randomised, first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial. Lancet Infect Dis, 23(8), 956-964. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00068-3
Model image of RVFVhttps://cepi.net/promising-human-rift-valley-fever-vaccine-enter-phase-ii-clinical-trials-kenya