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.