MACHUPO VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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The Machupo virus is a highly virulent and deadly member of the Arenaviridae family, responsible for causing a severe and often fatal illness called Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF). This viral disease primarily affects humans and is typically transmitted through direct contact with infected rodents, specifically the common household rat species known as Calomys callosus, which serves as the natural host and reservoir for the Machupo virus.
Once the virus enters the human body, it targets various organs and tissues, affecting both vascular and immune systems. Symptoms of Machupo virus infection may initially present as febrile illness, including a high fever, headache, muscle aches, and malaise. As the disease progresses, patients often develop more severe symptoms, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, bleeding, rash, and neurological complications. In severe cases, BHF can lead to multi-organ dysfunction, high fever, shock, and hemorrhage, with a mortality rate estimated to be around 30%.
Due to its high contagion potential, Machupo virus is classified as a Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) pathogen, requiring strict containment measures in laboratory settings. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available for Machupo viral infections, and supportive care remains the primary approach to manage the disease. Efforts to prevent its transmission to humans primarily focus on rodent control measures, as well as implementing strict hygiene practices and infection control precautions in regions where the virus is endemic.
Common Misspellings for MACHUPO VIRUS
- nachupo virus
- kachupo virus
- jachupo virus
- mzchupo virus
- mschupo virus
- mwchupo virus
- mqchupo virus
- maxhupo virus
- mavhupo virus
- mafhupo virus
- madhupo virus
- macgupo virus
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- macnupo virus
- macjupo virus
- macuupo virus
- macyupo virus
- machypo virus
- machhpo virus
- machjpo virus
Etymology of MACHUPO VIRUS
The word "Machupo" is derived from the name of a river located in Bolivia, specifically in the province of Chapare. The Machupo virus was first discovered in 1959 when an outbreak occurred in the region along the Machupo River. The name of the virus was derived from the river, as it was identified as the source of the initial cases.
