Chapter 8 - Other Neglected Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses: Ilhéus, Bussuquara, Rocio, Kokobera, Stratford, and Wesselsbron Viruses

Abstract

This chapter summarizes information about several less studied mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Ilhéus, Bussuquara, and Rocio viruses are present in Latin America. Infection with Ilhéus or Bussuquara viruses is typically asymptomatic. Ilhéus virus may rarely cause gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms or a more serious encephalitis-like syndrome with cardiovascular involvement. Bussuquara virus caused febrile illness in one person. Rocio virus, however, has caused several large, severe outbreaks of encephalitis with a fatality rate of 10% and serious sequelae in 20% of the cases. Kokobera and Stratford viruses from Australia and the Pacific Islands occasionally cause mild, febrile illness. Wesselsbron virus from Africa occasionally causes mild, febrile disease with myalgia in humans. It is linked to abortions or teratogenic effects in sheep and goats. While most of these viruses typically produce only mild disease, they are potential threats to emerge into humans with increased pathogenicity and, as such, should be monitored closely.