The “Lujo” virus, named after the two cities in which it was found, Lusaka, Zambia and Johannesburg, South Africa has five confirmed cases. Four of those five cases have resulted in death.
Coming into contact with infected rodent waste can infect humans, as researchers believe the virus comes from a family of viruses that is found in rodents. The virus presents itself in the form of bleeding in the gums and at injection sites, much like the Ebola virus, as well as in the forms of fever, shock, coma, and organ failure.
The first confirmed case occurred in September in a woman in the outskirts of Zambia who had a fever like illness that quickly became much worse. She was airlifted to Johannesburg, South Africa where she later died. The next confirmed case of the “Lujo” virus was reported in a paramedic who was reported to have treated the first victim of the disease. The following three cases were confirmed in health care workers in Johannesburg. The disease is thought to have spread through infected human body fluids.
The fifth reported case of the disease did not result in death. Researchers found the disease is distantly related to Lassa fever, and administered drugs that are commonly used to treat Lassa fever. Researchers do not believe the deadly new virus will spread widely.
Filed under: Africa, Health & Poverty
