Brazilian hemorrhagic fever

Brazilian hemorrhagic fever (BzHF) is an infectious disease caused by the Sabiá virus, an Arenavirus. The Sabiá virus is an enveloped RNA virus and is highly infectious and lethal.^[1]

The incubation period is between 7–16 days, during which signs and symptoms can develop. Initial signs and symptoms can include fever, eye redness, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, loss of strength, and exhaustion. Severe cases show signs of bleeding under the skin, internal organs, or from body orifices like the mouth, eyes, or ears. Severely ill patients show shock, nervous system malfunction, coma, delirium, and seizures.^[1]

The Sabiá virus can be acquired through inhalation, ingestion, the eyes, and contact with urine, saliva, blood, or feces of rodents.^[1]

The Sabiá virus is a Biosafety Level 4 pathogen.^[1]

To date, there have only been three reported infections of the Sabiá virus. Only one known case of naturally contracted Sabiá virus occurred in a woman staying in the village of Sabiá, outside of São Paulo, in 1990. Two other cases occurred in a clinical setting. One of the scientists who was infected was treated with ribavirin.^[2][3]

This virus has also been implicated as a means for bioterrorism, as it can be spread through aerosols.^[4]

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  Skin surface displayed characteristic maculopapular vesicles of the milder form of smallpox, or the DNA virus, variola minor. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Face and upper body of child whose skin displayed the characteristic maculopapular lesions of the milder form of smallpox, or the DNA virus, variola minor. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Dermal lesions determined to be due to the DNA virus, variola minor. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Characteristic maculopapular vesicles of the milder form of smallpox, or the DNA virus, variola minor. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Mother and her child both manifested the dermal lesions determined to be due to the DNA virus, variola minor, otherwise known as “alastrim”. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Dermal lesions determined to be due to the DNA virus, variola minor. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Dermal lesions determined to be due to the DNA virus, variola minor. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Child’s face revealing the distribution of a mild maculopapular rash due to smallpox. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]
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  Maculopapular lesions on the face of a Brazilian smallpox patient. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). ^[5]

• Arenavirus
• Viral hemorrhagic fever

Template:Zoonotic viral diseases