| Valencia virus (VARV) | |
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 | |
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Group: |
Group V ((-)ssRNA |
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Order: |
Mononegavirales |
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Family: |
Filoviridae |
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Genus: |
Lithovirus |
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Species |
Valencia lithovirus |
Valencia virus is a hemorrhagic fever virus and a member of the filovirus family. It is a close relative of the lethal Marburg and Ebola viruses, sharing the classification of hemorrhagic fever and being indistinguishable from each other in the early stages of infection. As is traditional with virus classification, Valencia virus causes "Valencia Virus Disease," in humans and other closely related primates, namely organtuans; however, the virus' natural reservoir remains a mystery.
Much like its "relatives," Ebola and Marburg, Valencia is listed as a Risk Group 4 Pathogen by the World Health Organization.
Valencia virus disease
Valencia virus disease (VVD) is caused exclusively by the similarly named sole member of the lithovirus family. A viral hemorrhagic fever, most human outbreaks in recent history were caused by one single infected individual unwittingly spreading the highly contagious disease to others during the disease's infectious incubation period. Typically, the disease takes anywhere from 2-30 days to begin adversely affecting the victim. There are no symptoms during this period, but the disease is contagious from the period of transmission to long after death.
After infection, healthy humans have an approximately 95% mortality rate. Survivors are "broken," by the disease and become carriers for the virus.
Signs and Symptoms (post incubation)
- Generalization Phase: Day 1-2 after incubation period. Victim experiences severe "depersonalization," an effect caused by the virus attacking the brain. General loss of emotional response accompanied by severe lethargy. Marked by "thousand yard stare," in which the victim stares aimlessly at nothing in particular for up to 32 hours, ignoring the need to eat or sleep. Can cause severe health problems due to malnourishment. Headaches and twitching in the eye may be present.
- Early Organ Phase: Day 3-5. Depersonalization reaches peak point as all sense of spacial awareness is lost. Victim begins to experience ceaseless diarrhea, vomiting, edema, exanthem, and dyspenea. Any and all bodily fluids may contain millions of virus particles per drop. Marked by incessant bleeding from the eyes, hair loss, and swelling of fingers and toes, and high fever. Most infected die at this phase. Death usually occur on day 4.
- Late Organ Phase: Day 6+. Lining of the intestines begin to deteriorate and are purged from the body out of the anus, mouth, or eyes. Marked by extreme convulsions that may cause additional harm. Death may come at any moment.
The Center for Disease Control is currently compiling valuable information for public eyes. Please remain calm and avoid contact with any infected individuals.