West Nile Virus (WNV) is a single-stranded RNA (positive sense) virus of the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It causes disease that is characterized by flu-like symptoms. In a small number of cases this can develop into West Nile Encephalitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord). The viral envelope consists of envelope E and membrane M proteins. The roles of the E protein include virion assembly, recognition of cell receptors, cell endosomal membrane fusion, agglutination of red blood cells, and induction of immune responses.

Cell Membrane