Bolivian haemorrhagic fever

Last reviewed 01/2018

Bolivian haemorrhagic fever is caused by an arenavirus and is carried by wild rodents, urine and saliva. Spread is via contaminated water and food, also through damaged skin.

The disease is associated with localised annual outbreaks, first described in rural Bolivia.

There is an incubation period of seven to sixteen days, and there are no distinctive features. There are CNS signs in severe disease.