Bunyaviridae

Bunyaviruses are classified into five different genera, with orthobunyaviruses comprising the largest group with over 170 viruses.

Bunyaviruses have a tripartite genome -- the only human viral family to have three segments in its RNA genome! These segments are denoted as S, M, and L based upon size.

Each segment of the genome has different functions; L encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, S encodes non-structural and nucleocapsid proteins, and M encodes the glycoproteins.

Bunyaviruses are primarily composed of negative sense segments, though certain segments in particular genera can be ambisense.

There is no human vaccine for bunyaviruses as of 2015, though vaccines are being developed for use in animals; this is particularly important because bunyaviruses actually primarily infect animals, with some "spillover" into humans.

Bunyaviruses exhibit cap-snatching in order to prime their mRNA synthesis.

Bunyaviruses consist of many ARBOviruses, which are transmitted by arthropod vectors such as mosquitoes, sandflies, and ticks among others.

Bunyaviruses are associated with several hemorrhagic fevers and should be included in the differential diagnosis for these conditions.

Bunyaviruses do not have specific drug treatment regimens, but the symptoms of infection can be controlled using fluid replenishment and viral monitoring.

Prevention for bunyaviruses, because so many of them are arthropod borne, include wearing protective clothing, avoiding high risk areas where bunyaviruses are endemic, using DEET on equipment to repel insects, and educating communities about viral transmission.