1. A large family of viruses transmitted by arthropods (such as mosquitoes and ticks) that cause diseases in humans and animals, including hantavirus and Rift Valley fever virus.
Usage: technical; plural form; virology

Examples

• Bunyaviruses are responsible for several emerging infectious diseases worldwide.
• The hantavirus, a member of the bunyaviruses family, can cause severe respiratory illness.
• Researchers study bunyaviruses to develop better vaccines and treatments.
• Mosquitoes and ticks are common vectors for transmitting bunyaviruses to humans.
• Rift Valley fever is caused by one of the most dangerous bunyaviruses in Africa.