ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Matonaviridae 2022

The family comprises enveloped viruses with positive-sense RNA genomes of 9.6-10 kb. The genus includes rubella virus (species ) infecting humans, ruhugu virus (species ) infecting bats and rustrela virus (species ) infecting rodents and zoo animals. Rubella virus is spread via droplets. Postnatal infection leads to benign disease with rash and fever. Infection of seronegative women with rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy will often result in severe foetal malformations, known as congenital rubella syndrome. Vaccines are globally available. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family which is available at ictv.global/report/matonaviridae.