New World Arenaviral Infections - Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Arenaviral infections are viruses belonging to the family of arenoviride that are mostly spread through rodents in certain parts of the world. Depending on their geographical distribution and symptoms, Arenal viral infections are categorized into new-world Arenal viruses and old-world viral infections. The article explains in detail nearly six types of arenaviral infections, of which the majority share similar symptoms and treatments.

What Are Arenaviral Infections?

Arenaviral infections are mostly spread by rodents and are included in a group of viruses that cause diseases affecting many organ systems and bleeding. Such conditions are grouped under viral hemorrhagic fevers. Arenaviruses belong to the family of Arenaviridae and mostly affect the people of Asia, Africa, Europe, and America. In certain areas, the arenavirus is quite common and causes severe symptoms.

How Are Arenaviral Infections Spread?

Affected rodent hosts of arenavirus do not appear to be sick. They spread through scratches and bites among adult rodents, and a few types of arenavirus get transmitted to offspring from the parents during pregnancy. The virus is shed into the surroundings through urine, the droppings of rodents with arenavirus or saliva. It can also spread by inhaling the air from the surroundings of the source of infection. The spread of specific viral infections also occurs from person to person through direct contact or by contacting infected bodily fluids.

What Are New World Arenaviral Infections?

Based on the presence of viral infection in particular regions and changes in genetic differences, arenaviral infections are divided into the following.

• Old World Arenaviral Infections - Old World infections are distributed in the eastern hemispheres, such as Asia, Africa, and Europe.

• New World Arenaviral Infections - New World viral infections are distributed in the North and South Americas, especially in Bolivia and Venezuela.

Following are new world arenaviral infections -

• Argentine hemorrhagic fever.

• Bolivian hemorrhagic fever.

• Chapare hemorrhagic fever.

• Sabia hemorrhagic fever.

• Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever.

What Is Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever?

It is an illness caused by rodents and is mainly found in Argentina.

The first phase of the viral infection lasts for about a week, with the following symptoms.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Headache.

• Weakness.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Dizziness.

• Constipation.

The second phase of the viral infection begins after one week, which shows worsened symptoms such as

• Shock.

• Bacterial infections.

• Hemoptysis.

• Epistaxsis.

• Hematomas.

• Hematuria.

• Neurologic manifestations.

• Mental confusion.

• Ataxia.

• Delirium .

• Convulsions.

• Coma.

The third phase begins after two weeks and can last two months for individuals who have survived the second phase.

Treatment of Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever:

• Antiviral drug such as Ribavirin.

• Tranferring immunoglobulins from human plasma.

What Is Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever?

Bolivian hemorrhagic fever also consists of three disease phases in which the infection progresses. The first phase is characterized by an unspecific phase.

The second phase is determined by worsened symptoms related to blood and nerves. Patients who survive the second phase are in the third phase. Diagnosis of bolivian hemorrhagic fever is made by performing laboratory tests to identify the presence of viral antigens.

Treatment of the Viral Infection:

There are neither therapies nor vaccinations available to cure or prevent the disease. Preventive measures that add up to control the disease include methods to check on the increasing rodent population and spread.

What Is Chapare Hemorrhagic Fever?

Chapare hemorrhagic fever is caused by the virus Chapare, which belongs to the arenaviruses.

Transmission of chapare hemorrhagic fever can occur through direct contact or indirect contact.

Direct contact can be through bites or scratches from infected rodents.

Indirect contact is when contaminated food or bodily fluids are contacted.

Following Are the Symptoms of Chapare Hemorrhagic Fever:

• Headache.

• Joint pains.

• Fever.

• Rash.

• Bleeding gums.

• Stomach pain.

The diagnosis of the Chapare virus is made by extracting the viral antigen from the blood or serum of an infected individual in laboratory tests.

Treatment of Chapare Virus Includes the Following:

• Maintenance of shock.

• Maintenance of hydration.

• Pain relief.

• Sedation.

• Transfusions.

What Is Sabia Hemorrhagic Fever?

Brazilian hemorrhagic fever, also known as Sabia hemorrhagic fever, is a recently discovered new world arenavirus. It is transmitted mainly through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Direct contact with the affected individuals or with the infected fluids. It has been noted that most of the cases of Sabia hemorrhagic fever are laboratory spread, and high standards of precautions need to be taken while handling the specimen during diagnosis.

Symptoms of the Sabia Virus:

• Myalgia.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Sore throat.

• Weakness.

• Conjunctivitis.

• Diarrhea.

Treatment to Sabia Virus:

Anti viral treatment that includes Ribavirin is used to treat the Sabia virus. In addition to the antiviral treatment, symptomatic treatment is also administered.

What Is Venezuelan Hemorrhagic Fever?

Studies and statistics indicate that cases of Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever are newly emerging, and the causative agent is the guanarito virus. Due to the disease's distribution only in Venezuelan areas, it is given the name Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever.

Most of the people affected by this virus are agricultural workers.

Symptoms of Venezuelan Hemorrhagic Fever

Most of the symptoms are similar to those of the other arenaviral infections.

• Malaise.

• Fever.

• Abdominal pain.

• Arthralgia.

• Convulsions.

• Vomiting.

Not every individual affected by guanarito virus suffers death. Despite hospitalization and proper treatment, people still experience death. Hence, precautions should be taken to avoid contamination.

Conclusion

New world arenaviral infections are viral infections that can be easily spread even before one notices their symptoms. One has to be careful in following all the precautions necessary to prevent contamination through direct or indirect contact. Not only arenavirus but any viral infections can easily spread; hence, care should be taken to prevent contamination. Though treatment modalities are available, success depends on the patient's clinical stage and condition.