Lujo-Virus

The Lujo virus is a representative of the Arenaviridae and thus belongs to the RNA viruses. Its name is derived from the initials of the cities Lusaka and Johannesburg, where it was first found. The virus was first described in connection with the outbreak of haemorrhagic fever in 2009. So far, the virus could be detected only in Zambia and South Africa.

The sequencing of the genome has shown that the virus is distantly related to Lassa virus. It thus belongs to the group of Old World arenaviruses and has been provisionally classified as a separate species.

Course of Lujo virus infection in humans

The virus causes a hemorrhagic fever. So far, five cases were known in which the Lujo virus could be detected. In four cases the infection was fatal, in the fifth case was there, possibly. Due to the administration of medications to a more benign course with complete recovery of the patient The transmission is probably via body fluids from person to person. As a natural reservoir for the virus are rodents.