Machupo virus

Machupo virus is a New World arenavirus that is the causative agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, also known as black typhus. The virus was first identified in 1959 in Bolivia, and it is named after the Machupo River in the Beni Department, where the virus was first isolated.

Transmission

The primary vector for the Machupo virus is the large vesper mouse (Calomys callosus), a rodent species native to South America. Humans typically contract the virus through direct contact with infected rodents or their droppings. The virus can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.

Symptoms

The symptoms of infection with the Machupo virus are similar to those of other hemorrhagic fevers. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, patients may develop a rash, bleeding, and symptoms of neurological involvement such as tremors and confusion. In severe cases, the disease can lead to shock, organ failure, and death.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for infection with the Machupo virus. Treatment is supportive and includes rehydration, pain relief, and treatment of any secondary infections. In some cases, patients may benefit from treatment with convalescent plasma from survivors of the disease.

Prevention

Prevention of Machupo virus infection involves avoiding contact with the large vesper mouse and taking precautions to prevent rodent infestations in homes and workplaces. In areas where the virus is endemic, public health measures such as rodent control programs and public education about the risks of contact with rodents can help to reduce the risk of infection.

See also

• Arenaviridae
• Hemorrhagic fever
• Zoonosis