flavivirus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. Flaviviruses are a specific genus of RNA viruses, most of which are arthropod-borne and cause distinct diseases like dengue or Zika. The common cold is typically caused by rhinoviruses or coronaviruses.

Typically not directly. Most flaviviruses require a vector (like a mosquito) to move from one human host to another. However, some, like Zika, can also be transmitted through other routes like sexual contact or from mother to foetus.

It comes from the Latin word 'flavus', meaning 'yellow'. The genus name Flavivirus was chosen because Yellow Fever virus, which causes jaundice (yellowing of the skin), is the prototype virus for this group.

Vaccines exist for specific flaviviruses, such as Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, and Tick-borne Encephalitis. However, there is no single 'flavivirus vaccine'; each disease requires its own targeted immunisation.

Any of a genus (Flavivirus) of single-stranded RNA viruses, typically transmitted by arthropods (especially ticks and mosquitoes), which includes viruses responsible for diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, West Nile fever, and Zika.

Flavivirus is usually technical/scientific in register.

Flavivirus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪvɪˌvaɪrəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪvɪˌvaɪrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.