Date of Completion

Spring 4-26-2016

Thesis Advisor(s)

Kathleen Feldman, Ph.D;Renee M. Gilberti, Ph.D

Honors Major

Molecular and Cell Biology

Disciplines

Medical Microbiology | Molecular Biology | Virus Diseases

Abstract

The Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses are three emerging viral infections of the 21st century. Outbreaks have occurred in twenty countries, including areas of South America, and territories in the Caribbean. These viral diseases are mosquito-borne infections transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The origins of the diseases, viral morphology, and vector transmission will be described in this review as well as symptoms that humans experience, medical testing procedures, and preventative measures. This study will focus on three locations: Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. There are many similarities between the three viruses to emphasize, but also significant differences to highlight.

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