arbovirus science definition

Any of a large group of RNA viruses that are transmitted primarily by arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks. The more than 400 species were originally considered to be a single group, but are now divided among four families: Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Arenaviridae. These viruses cause a variety of infectious diseases in humans, including rubella, yellow fever, and dengue.