Overview
Lujo hemorrhagic fever is a very rare and serious viral illness caused by the Lujo virus, a type of arenavirus. It was first identified in 2008 during a small outbreak that began in Zambia and spread to South Africa. The name 'Lujo' comes from the two cities involved: Lusaka (Zambia) and Johannesburg (South Africa). This disease belongs to a group of illnesses called viral hemorrhagic fevers, which means the virus can cause severe bleeding and damage to multiple organs throughout the body. The Lujo virus attacks the immune system and can affect many organs at once, including the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the nervous system. The illness usually starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, but it can quickly become life-threatening. In the original outbreak, 4 out of 5 infected people died, making it one of the deadliest known hemorrhagic fever viruses ever recorded. There is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral drug proven to cure Lujo hemorrhagic fever. Treatment is mainly supportive, meaning doctors focus on keeping the patient stable — managing fluids, controlling bleeding, and supporting organ function. In the 2008 outbreak, one patient survived after receiving ribavirin, an antiviral medication, though its effectiveness has not been confirmed in larger studies. Because so few cases have been reported, research into this disease is still in very early stages.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
High feverSevere headacheMuscle and joint painFeeling very weak and tiredSore throat and swollen faceSkin rashNausea and vomitingDiarrheaBleeding from the gums, nose, or other sitesConfusion or altered mental stateLow blood pressure (shock)Signs of organ failure such as reduced urination or jaundice (yellowing of skin)
Clinical phenotype terms (50)— hover any for plain English
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 Lujo hemorrhagic fever.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Lujo 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 Lujo hemorrhagic fever.
Community
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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.What tests are being done to confirm the diagnosis, and where will those tests be processed?,Is ribavirin being considered as a treatment, and what are the potential benefits and risks?,What infection control measures do my family members and close contacts need to follow?,Which public health authorities need to be notified, and what support will they provide?,What are the signs that the illness is getting worse, and what should trigger escalation of care?,If I survive, what long-term health monitoring will I need for my organs?,Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments available?
Common questions about Lujo hemorrhagic fever
What is Lujo hemorrhagic fever?
Lujo hemorrhagic fever is a very rare and serious viral illness caused by the Lujo virus, a type of arenavirus. It was first identified in 2008 during a small outbreak that began in Zambia and spread to South Africa. The name 'Lujo' comes from the two cities involved: Lusaka (Zambia) and Johannesburg (South Africa). This disease belongs to a group of illnesses called viral hemorrhagic fevers, which means the virus can cause severe bleeding and damage to multiple organs throughout the body. The Lujo virus attacks the immune system and can affect many organs at once, including the liver, kidney
How is Lujo hemorrhagic fever inherited?
Lujo hemorrhagic fever follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.