Potential Hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Johannesburg

Another interesting medical mystery in South Africa - and potentially quite worrying. Could it be the new Lujo Virus?

Netcare Olivedale Hospital yesterday reported that two members of the same family died at the hospital from an illness, the cause of which is not currently known.

A number of tests have been conducted, none of which have positively identified the cause of the illness. Additional diagnostic investigations are currently underway, including a number of specialised tests for viral infection. Results of these are anticipated within the next week.

source

I am trying to find some information on the brothers. Were they hunters? What contact did they have, and with what wildlife?

Although neither of the deceased travelled out of the country recently, both had had contact with wildlife.

source

Here is some information on the types of hemorrhagic fevers:

The Arenaviridae include the viruses responsible for Lassa fever and Argentine, Bolivian, Brazilian and Venezuelan hemorrhagic fevers.
The Bunyaviridae include the members of the Hantavirus genus that cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus from the Nairovirus genus, and the Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus from the Phlebovirus genus.
The Filoviridae include Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Finally, the Flaviviridae include dengue, yellow fever, and two viruses in the tick-borne encephalitis group that cause VHF: Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus and Kyasanur Forest disease virus.
The most recently recognized virus capable of causing hemorrhagic fever is Lujo virus, a new member of the arenaviruses described in 2009 and found in South Africa.

source

The Lujo Virus is named after Lusaka and Johannesburg and is extremely deadly with 4 out of 5 cases resulting in death:

Lujo is a bisegmented RNA virus and a member of the Arenaviridae. It is the second pathogenic arenavirus to be described from the African continent, in addition to the lassavirus.

source

reply to post by deltaalphanovember


I feel sick when I hear about all the new diseases that suddenly start in Africa...

Is it the testing ground of Big Pharma,Military and WHO ??

reply to post by CynicalM

There are some mainstream schools of thought regarding why we are seeing more and more of these "incidents":

1. More contact with wildlife due to their diminishing habitiat
2. Climate change is encouraging the spread of diseases and viruses
3. Villages are no longer isolated, it has become easier for people to travel (also South Africa is relatively politcally stable and we are seeing more and more refugees who may carry the exotic diseases and viruses south)

(or a combination of the above?)

Originally posted by CynicalM
reply to post by deltaalphanovember

 

I feel sick when I hear about all the new diseases that suddenly start in Africa...

Is it the testing ground of Big Pharma,Military and WHO ??

Why africa... Why not india, china, south america or the world.
I just dont like your wording, its abit ignorant, you make africa sound full of disease
South africa is a beautiful country..
The Uk has a great rep for bacteria in hospitals turning into viruses.

I am sorry man, but nowhere do i see that they say its a new virus.

Posting something like this without proof is just not on.

Even your source indicates that it is unknown!!??

This could be any number of things, but i strongly doubt if this is a hemorrhagic fever outbreak.

VVV

reply to post by VreemdeVlieendeVoorwep


How many times has mainstream media over reacted.. swine flu..bird flu.. and hundreds of other cases that is complete BS.. But you dont know just yet! OP could be giving an early warning, if not.. this thread will sink into abyss.

reply to post by VreemdeVlieendeVoorwep


VVV, I did state "potential" hemorrhagic fever. I did not say a new virus, but I did pose the question whether it is the new virus called Lujo (which was identified in 2009 in South Africa).

reply to post by AlphaANDOmega


Totally agree man. But I just find it a bit premature to post something, which hasn't been confirmed yet, about the country, and then the negative things people will associate with it.

Just like you responded to the guy talking about deseases in Africa.

VVV

Originally posted by AlphaANDOmega
The Uk has a great rep for bacteria in hospitals turning into viruses.

Really?

Could you explain how a bacterium can change into a virus?

reply to post by AlphaANDOmega


Hey mate, I love Africa..I have read many books regarding the exploitation of a great nation..

I think the reason they may choose Africa is because it is so segregated and yet so rich in natural resorces.

There is no "one" goverment so it is easy to manipulate certain sectors..
Not that I like Goverments so lets say a "voice" of the people.

I wish ALL Africans would join and preserve a great land..

Eyewitness News has some further info:

It was initially feared the men may have died of hemorrhagic fever, but Netcare Olivedale Hospital and health officials said the causes of the deaths had not yet been determined.

There have been several cases of people dying of hemorrhagic fever in South Africa in the past two years but authorities said it was too early to determine if these latest deaths should be added to that list.

Link

However, they ARE stating that it could be something as simple as food poisoning.
I guess it's a case of wait and see.

This is from the Olivedale Clinic Media Statement:

A number of tests have been conducted, none of which have positively identified the cause of the illness. Additional diagnostic investigations are currently underway, including a number of specialised tests for viral infection. Results of these are anticipated within the next week.

Full Media Statement

If it was simple food poisoning, surely the results would have been available by now?

reply to post by VreemdeVlieendeVoorwep


Ah fair ones.. i see were your coming from!

CynicalM

I got you wrong two, sorry. I spose something typed out can appear abit more blunt than intended.

SlipperyJim

My very BAD mistake.. i mean Bacteria causing Illness lol