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[Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) · [Viruses](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/#d-virus)

# RNA arboviruses

- Viruses

Viruses spread by the bites of arthropods (mosquitoes, midges). In Colombia they cause dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever and Oropouche fever.

Updated 2026-11-01

## What they are

This group gathers RNA viruses kept in nature in a cycle between blood-feeding arthropods and vertebrates. They belong to different families (flaviviruses, alphaviruses, orthobunyaviruses) but share the route of spread, a similar early febrile illness and vector control as the core of prevention.

## What they share

- RNA genome and a lipid envelope
- Vector-borne (Aedes, Haemagogus, Sabethes, Culicoides)
- Acute fever with headache, myalgia, arthralgia or rash
- RT-PCR in the first week, serology afterwards
- Standard precautions: no person-to-person respiratory spread

## Key points

- Aedes aegypti carries dengue, Zika, chikungunya and urban yellow fever; it bites by day
- Flaviviruses (dengue, Zika, yellow fever) cross-react on IgM serology
- Chikungunya stands out for severe, disabling joint pain; dengue for plasma leakage as the fever falls
- Oropouche is spread mainly by the midge Culicoides paraensis, not by Aedes

## Microorganisms in this group

- [**Dengue virus** A virus spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It causes high fever and body aches and, in some people, plasma leakage that can lead to shock. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/dengue-virus/)
- [**Zika virus** A virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes, and also sexually and from mother to fetus. It is usually mild, but in pregnancy it can cause microcephaly. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/zika-virus/)
- [**Chikungunya virus** A virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes that causes sudden fever with very severe joint pain; in some people the pain lasts months or years. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/chikungunya-virus/)
- [**Yellow fever virus** A flavivirus kept alive by monkeys and forest mosquitoes. It can cause jaundice, bleeding and organ failure; one vaccine dose protects for life. Exam priority: high](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/yellow-fever-virus/)
- [**Oropouche virus** A virus spread mainly by a tiny biting midge. It causes a dengue-like fever that often comes back days or weeks later. For completeness](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/oropouche-virus/)

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which vector do dengue, Zika and chikungunya share?

Aedes mosquitoes, above all Aedes aegypti (and Aedes albopictus), which bite by day and breed in containers holding water.

## Why can Zika IgM be confused with dengue?

Both are flaviviruses, so antibodies cross-react, especially after earlier infection or vaccination against another flavivirus.

## Which test best confirms an arbovirus in the first days of fever?

Direct detection of the virus by RT-PCR in blood during the first week; serology is more useful later.

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Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Dengue: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments](https://www.paho.org/en/topics/dengue) (Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 2025); [Oropouche virus disease](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oropouche-virus-disease) (World Health Organization (WHO), 2024); [Yellow Fever](https://www.paho.org/en/topics/yellow-fever) (Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 2025).

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