Overview
Brazilian hemorrhagic fever (BHF) is a very rare and serious viral infection caused by the Sabiá virus, which belongs to a group of viruses called arenaviruses. This disease was first identified in Brazil in 1990 and has only been reported in a handful of cases. The Sabiá virus is believed to be carried by rodents, and people can become infected through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, or possibly through inhaling tiny particles contaminated with the virus. Person-to-person spread has also been documented, particularly in healthcare settings. The disease typically begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and feeling generally unwell. As it progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms including bleeding from the gums, skin, or internal organs, which is why it is called a hemorrhagic fever. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sore throat, and in severe cases, shock and organ failure. The illness can be life-threatening. There is no specific approved treatment or vaccine for Brazilian hemorrhagic fever. Supportive care in a hospital setting is the main approach, which includes managing fluids, blood pressure, and bleeding. The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used in some cases and may offer some benefit, especially when given early in the course of illness. Because of its potential for person-to-person spread, strict infection control measures are essential when caring for patients with this disease.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
High feverSevere headacheMuscle aches and body painFatigue and weaknessNausea and vomitingAbdominal painSore throatBleeding from the gumsSkin bruising or bleeding under the skinDizziness or lightheadednessLow blood pressureFacial swellingInternal bleedingShock in severe cases
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 Brazilian hemorrhagic fever.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Brazilian hemorrhagic fever.
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 Brazilian 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 was the diagnosis of Brazilian hemorrhagic fever confirmed in my case?,What treatments are available, and is ribavirin being considered?,What precautions should my family and close contacts take to avoid infection?,How long is the expected recovery period?,Are there any long-term health effects I should watch for?,Should my close contacts be tested or monitored for symptoms?,What should I do if my symptoms return or worsen after leaving the hospital?
Common questions about Brazilian hemorrhagic fever
What is Brazilian hemorrhagic fever?
Brazilian hemorrhagic fever (BHF) is a very rare and serious viral infection caused by the Sabiá virus, which belongs to a group of viruses called arenaviruses. This disease was first identified in Brazil in 1990 and has only been reported in a handful of cases. The Sabiá virus is believed to be carried by rodents, and people can become infected through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva, or possibly through inhaling tiny particles contaminated with the virus. Person-to-person spread has also been documented, particularly in healthcare settings. The disease typically begins with
How is Brazilian hemorrhagic fever inherited?
Brazilian hemorrhagic fever follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.