Epidemiology

The Arenaviridae viruses are resposible for many emerging diseases, notably hemorrhagic fevers and encephalitis. Here are some important points about the virus' spread, epidemiology, and related prevention efforts.

Study of arenaviruses is limited. Most viruses of the family require Biosafety Level 4 facilities.

Natural reservoir:  Rodents.

• Old world arenaviruses are associated with Old World rats and mice (family Muridae, subfamily Murinae.
• New world viruses associated with New World rats and mice (family Muridae, subfamily Sigmodontinae
• Viruses appear to be non-pathogenic to their rodent hosts, and cause chronic (life-long) infections.

Viral spread:

• Spread between rodents by bites, from mother to offspring.
• Spread to humans by inhalation or contact with virus-laden urine or excretions from infected rodent.
• Human-Human transmission associated with direct contact with infected blood, bodily secretions, and virus particles.
• Airborne transmission has been noted in nosocomial (health care) settings.

Prevention:

• Successful prevention campaigns have included rodent control (up to 30% of rodent population in an epidemic can be infected).

• Surveillance and rapid isolation of epidemics  

• Vaccination studies are ongoing