Overview
Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF), also known as black typhus or Ordog fever, is a rare and serious viral infection caused by the Machupo virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family. The disease is spread to humans primarily through contact with the Calomys callosus rodent (large vesper mouse), which carries the virus in its urine, droppings, and saliva. People can become infected by breathing in particles contaminated with rodent waste, through direct contact with infected rodents, or occasionally through person-to-person spread. The disease typically begins with a gradual onset of fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and general fatigue. As it progresses, patients may develop bleeding from the gums, nose, and other areas, along with tremors, seizures, and signs of shock. The illness affects multiple organ systems, including the blood vessels, nervous system, and immune system. Bleeding complications arise because the virus damages blood vessel walls and disrupts the body's ability to form clots. Treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on maintaining fluid balance, managing bleeding, and treating complications. The antiviral drug ribavirin has shown some benefit when given early in the course of illness. Immune plasma from recovered patients has also been used as a treatment. Without treatment, the fatality rate can be quite high, estimated between 5% and 30%. Prevention efforts focus on rodent control in affected areas. There is currently no widely available vaccine, although research is ongoing.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Gradual onset of feverSevere headacheMuscle and joint painFatigue and general weaknessBleeding from the gumsNosebleedsBleeding under the skin (petechiae or bruising)Nausea and vomitingTremors or shakingSeizuresSensitivity to lightFlushing of the face and chestSwollen lymph nodesLow blood pressure or shockConfusion or altered mental state
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Bolivian hemorrhagic fever.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Bolivian hemorrhagic fever.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is my case, and what is my expected recovery timeline?,Is convalescent plasma therapy available and appropriate for me?,Would ribavirin treatment be helpful at this stage of my illness?,What signs of complications should I or my family watch for?,How can I protect my family members from getting infected?,What follow-up care will I need after I leave the hospital?,Are there any long-term effects I should be aware of after recovery?
Common questions about Bolivian hemorrhagic fever
What is Bolivian hemorrhagic fever?
Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF), also known as black typhus or Ordog fever, is a rare and serious viral infection caused by the Machupo virus, which belongs to the arenavirus family. The disease is spread to humans primarily through contact with the Calomys callosus rodent (large vesper mouse), which carries the virus in its urine, droppings, and saliva. People can become infected by breathing in particles contaminated with rodent waste, through direct contact with infected rodents, or occasionally through person-to-person spread. The disease typically begins with a gradual onset of fever, h
How is Bolivian hemorrhagic fever inherited?
Bolivian hemorrhagic fever follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Bolivian hemorrhagic fever?
15 specialists and care centers treating Bolivian hemorrhagic fever are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.