Abstract
The Bunyaviridae are a large group of viruses that infect a diversity of arthropod vectors and animal hosts. They have a worldwide distribution and can be the cause of human illness ranging from mild asymptomatic infection to hemorrhagic fever and fatal encephalitis. The growth of the human population, the expansion of agricultural and economic development, climatic changes, and the speed and frequency of global transportation all favor the emergence of bunyaviruses and other arthropod borne viruses. International monitoring of the Bunyaviridae and a greater understanding of their ecology and biology are needed to prepare for future outbreaks.
This work supported by PHS grants NS-3606 and NS-07180 (training grant for SSS). The authors thank Matthew L. Plassmeyer and Julio Martín-García for critical review of this manuscript and Angel Varela-Rohena for artistic assistance (all at the University of Pennsylvania).