Rodent-Borne Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses of Importance to Agricultural Workers

Abstract

At least 10 rodent-borne viruses cause severe hemorrhagic fever disease in humans. Agricultural workers are particularly at risk due to increased likelihood of exposure to rodents in rural environments. The family Arenaviridae includes Lassa virus, which causes Lassa fever in West Africa, and four South American hemorrhagic fever viruses, Junín, Machupo, Guanarito, and Sabiá. Junín, Machupo, and Guanarito viruses affect rural populations in agricultural districts of Argentina, Bolivia, and Venezuela, respectively, and cause up to 30% mortality. The only known naturally acquired case of Sabiá virus infection resulted in a fatality in Brazil. At least three members of the genus Hantavirus (Hantaan, Seoul, and Puumala viruses), family Bunyaviridae, cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Europe and Asia, and result in more than 200,000 cases annually with <1% to 10% mortality. Sin Nombre virus is responsible for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome that has resulted in about 100 cases, with greater than 50% mortality since its discovery in the southwestern U.S. in 1993. We discuss the etiology, epidemiology, clinical features, treatment and prevention of these diseases, with special emphasis on their relevance to agriculture.