What is Chapare virus?

The researchers from the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently discovered that the Chapare Virus invloves in human to human transmission. Currently, the Chapare Virus has affected the Bolivia . The scientists have found that, just like the Ebola virus, the Chapare virus can cause haemorrhagic fever.

Background

The rare Ebola-like illness or the Chapare virus induced illness is believed to have first originated in the year 2004 in rural Bolivia. The most recent and the biggest outbreak of the ‘Chapare virus’ was reported in the year 2019.

Chapare virus

The Chapare Virus causes Chapare hemorrhagic fever (CHHF). The virus belongs to arenavirus family. It has been named after the province it was first observed in. The virus from same family is also responsible for other illnesses like Ebola virus disease (EVD). These arenaviruses like the “Chapare virus” are generally carried by rats. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the infected rodent or through contact with an infected person.

Disease and Symptoms

The Chapare virus  causes a hemorrhagic fever just like Ebola. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding gums, vomiting, skin rash and pain behind the eyes. The virus can also cause life-threatening illness affecting multiple organs. It can also damage the walls of blood vessels.

Why this virus is a cause of concern?

The researchers have found that the Chapare virus is much more difficult to catch than the coronavirus. It is difficult to catch them as it is not transmissible through the respiratory route. The Chapare virus spreads only through direct contact with the fluid of the body.