slow virus

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a virus that remains dormant in the body for a long time before producing symptoms, as in several neurological diseases, including kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

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slow virus British  

noun

1. any of a class of virus-like disease-causing agents known as prions that are present in the body for a long time before becoming active or infectious and are very resistant to radiation and similar factors: believed to be the cause of BSE and scrapie

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Etymology

Origin of slow virus

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The testing was intended to help build a forecast of how many staff might be out for quarantine periods and need substitutes, and to slow virus transmission in classrooms after winter break.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 4, 2022

Authorities have reimposed curbs that include limiting social interactions and dining out to two people in order to slow virus transmission.

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2021

“Once the infections slow, virus fears will fade quickly and even the Olympics will be remembered favorably.”

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2021

The world’s fourth most populous country is struggling to slow virus transmission even after imposing its toughest mobility curbs so far.

From The Guardian • Jul. 15, 2021

That’s the rate at which many public health officials recommend adoption of measures to slow virus spread including mask use, social distancing and limiting large gatherings of people.

From Washington Times • Oct. 9, 2020