The Sabia virus is a deadly virus that is found in South America. The spelling of the word "Sabia" is [sɑːˈbiːə], with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "a" at the end is pronounced like the "a" in "father". This spelling follows the standard English pronunciation rules, with the "s" being pronounced as "s" and the "b" as "b". The word "virus" is spelled phonetically as [ˈvaɪrəs], with the emphasis on the first syllable. The "i" in the first syllable is pronounced like the "i" in "pie".
The Sabia virus is a highly infectious viral agent belonging to the Arenaviridae family, first identified in 1990 in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. It is named after the Sabiá virus' host, the Sabiá virus-infected rodent known as Calomys callosus, commonly found in Brazil. The Sabiá virus is classified as a hemorrhagic fever virus, with symptoms and transmission similar to other members of the same family, such as the Lassa virus and the Junín virus.
In humans, infection with the Sabiá virus can result in severe disease, often leading to hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The transmission of the virus to humans primarily occurs through exposure to infected rodents, either through direct contact with their excreta or aerosolized particles. Human-to-human transmission has been reported, but it is considered rare.
Symptoms of Sabiá virus infection in humans include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, which can progress to more severe complications, including hemorrhage, kidney dysfunction, and respiratory distress. The mortality rate associated with Sabiá virus infection varies, ranging from 25% to 75%.
Due to its high pathogenicity and potential for person-to-person transmission, the Sabiá virus is classified as a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) pathogen. Strict laboratory precautions and isolation protocols are required to handle and study the Sabiá virus. No specific antiviral treatment exists for Sabiá virus infection, and management is primarily supportive care aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.
The word "Sabia virus" is derived from the name of the location where the virus was first identified, the Sabiá River Valley in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In 1990, an outbreak of a previously unknown hemorrhagic fever occurred in this region, affecting several individuals who were working in or around a laboratory that handled wild animals. The virus was named "Sabia virus" after the river valley where the outbreak took place.