Mystery virus identified
12/10/2008 16:39 - (SA)
"The causative agent of the disease... may be a rodent-borne arenavirus related to the lassa fever virus of
More tests needed
Viruses similar to the lassa fever virus have been found in rodents in Africa, but other than in
Blumberg said a female nurse and a male paramedic were currently in isolation after having been in contact with those who previously died from the illness. They had shown symptoms of the disease.
'Highly suspect' patient
The paramedic has since been diagnosed with kidney stones and Blumberg said it was "less likely" that he had the virus. The nurse is "highly suspect" and is receiving anti-viral medication. She was presently stable, but Blumberg could not say how her condition was likely to progress.
- SAPA