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Identified in 2008 between Zambia and South Africa, the Lujo Virus has returned to the scientific radar due to its high lethality, after killing four of the five people infected in the only outbreak registered and confirmed to date
The Lujo Virus, identified in 2008 between Zambia and South Africa, has raised concerns among scientists due to its high lethality: in the only recorded outbreak, four of the five infected individuals died within a few days.
Rare and lethal virus
The Lujo Virus is a rare pathogen, little known and associated with a frightening mortality rate. It belongs to the family of arenaviruses, the same group as the Lassa Virus, linked to severe hemorrhagic fevers.
These viruses have a zoonotic origin and can pass from animals to humans. The alert mainly comes from the severity observed in the only confirmed outbreak to date.
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Outbreak began with mild symptoms
The recorded episode began with a 36-year-old woman who showed mild signs, initially confused with the flu. Within a few days, her health deteriorated rapidly.
The patient died less than two weeks later. Health professionals who had direct contact with her were also infected and did not survive. In total, five cases were confirmed during the outbreak.
The only survivor emphasized the scale of the episode, as four of the five infected individuals died. The limited number of cases did not reduce the virus’s impact among researchers.
Symptoms can evolve quickly
Symptoms appear between seven and 13 days after infection. The initial presentation includes fever, headache, and muscle aches, signs that can complicate the immediate identification of the disease.
Afterward, the situation can worsen rapidly. The patient may experience facial swelling, diarrhea, sore throat, and failures in the respiratory and neurological systems, in a severe progression.
Death usually occurs between 10 and 13 days after the onset of symptoms, when the disease has already reached advanced stages and compromises important bodily functions.
Transmission requires direct contact
Transmission between humans occurs mainly through contact with bodily fluids, especially in the final stages of the disease. This characteristic helped limit the initial outbreak.
Still, the possibility of a new case in densely populated areas keeps the issue on the global radar. In such a scenario, the reach could be greater due to close contact between people.
Treatment has not yet been approved
To date, there is no specific treatment approved against the Lujo Virus. This point increases concern, even with the risk considered rare.
Recent research aims to develop medications and vaccines. In the meantime, the Lujo Virus remains a highly lethal, little-known pathogen.
With information from TNH1.
