Bolivian hemorrhagic fever


Bo·liv·i·an hem·or·rhag·ic fe·ver

a disease similar to Argentinian hemorrhagic fever but caused by the Machupo virus, a member of the family Arenaviridae.

Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Virology An arenavirus infection similar to Argentine HF; BHF is endemic to the grain-producing province of Beni in Amazonian Bolivia Agent Machupo virus Vector Excreted in urine of the rodent vector, Calomys callosus Clinical BHF affects the cardiovascular, hematopoietic, renal systems, and the CNS; early fever, anorexia, N&V, myalgia, neurologic signs—50% have intention tremor, 25% convulsive encephalopathy Mortality 10-20%, especially children. See Machupo virus. Cf Haverhill fever.