FLAVIVIRUS: MANAGEMENT AND THERAPY

  • Most arbovirus infections are not treated with anti-virals. Dengue, although it is a terrifying disease, usually resolves itself within a week and has a low case-fatality. Yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis which are more deadly are currently being prevented through routine vaccination in endemic areas. Unlike hepatitis, most arboviruses cause acute rather than chronic infection.
  • Chronic hepatitis C infection can be managed with interferon therapy. Alpha interferon must be injected three times a week at dosages of 2-3 million units in order for ATL (alanine transferase activity levels) to be reduced in chronic hepatitis patients. Although some patients go into remission due to therapy, a large proportion of patients relapse after interferon is discontinued. Ribavarin therapy may also be effective in controlling HCV before cirrhosis is induced.