Sabia Hemorrhagic Fever (Sabiá Virus Disease)

Sabiá hemorrhagic fever is a rare but severe viral illness caused by the Sabiá virus, a New World mammarenavirus (family Arenaviridae). It can lead to high fever, bleeding problems, low platelets, liver injury, shock, and sometimes death. Only a handful of human cases have ever been confirmed, mostly in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, plus a few laboratory-acquired infections. The virus is thought to spread to people from infected rodents, mainly through contact with their urine, droppings, or saliva, especially when these become airborne as dust. Person-to-person spread is uncommon but is a concern in healthcare settings if strict infection control is not used. Supportive care is the main treatment; the antiviral ribavirin has shown benefit in some arenavirus diseases, though evidence for Sabiá virus is limited because cases are so rare. sciencedirect.com+4Canada.ca+4Wikipedia+4

Sabia hemorrhagic fever is a severe viral illness caused by the Sabiá virus, a New World arenavirus first recognized in Brazil. The virus likely lives in wild rodents and can spill over to people. After a few days of flu-like sickness, some patients suddenly get worse with low blood pressure, bleeding, liver problems, and organ failure. Because only a handful of human cases have been documented, doctors treat it like other viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs): they isolate the patient, give careful fluids, oxygen, and blood support, and manage complications in intensive care. There is no licensed vaccine or proven, specific medicine for Sabiá virus; ribavirin and other antivirals may be considered off-label by specialists. Early recognition, strict infection control, and expert supportive care save lives. PMC+3SciELO+3PMC+3

Other names

This disease is known by several names in the medical literature:

  • Brazilian hemorrhagic fever (BzHF): the clinical disease name. Wikipedia

  • Sabiá hemorrhagic fever: emphasizes the specific virus that causes it. Wikipedia

  • Infection due to Sabiá mammarenavirus (SABV): the formal virus name used in virology and biosafety documents. Canada.ca

Types

  1. Natural (community-acquired) infection
    People become infected after exposure in rural or peri-urban areas, likely from rodent contamination in homes, farms, or storage sites. Confirmed natural cases occurred in São Paulo state (1990, 1999, and 2020). Canada.ca

  2. Laboratory-acquired infection
    A few cases happened after accidental exposure to the virus in research labs (e.g., aerosol from a damaged centrifuge bottle), underscoring the need for high-level biosafety (BSL-4 practices for live virus). Wikipedia+1

  3. Clinical phases
    Doctors often describe phases: a prodromal phase (fever, malaise), a hemorrhagic/neurologic phase in severe cases, and convalescence in survivors. This phase model follows patterns seen with other New World arenaviruses that cause hemorrhagic fevers. PMC

  4. Severity categories (mild/moderate/severe)
    Most information comes from related arenaviruses: many patients improve after a week, but a subset progress to severe bleeding, organ damage, and shock; Sabiá appears capable of severe disease. PMC

Causes

  1. Contact with rodent urine or droppings
    Rodents are typical reservoirs for arenaviruses; contact can spread virus to people. cdc.gov

  2. Breathing contaminated dust (aerosols)
    Sweeping, cleaning, or disturbing rodent-contaminated spaces can aerosolize virus-containing particles. cdc.gov

  3. Living or working in rural areas with rodent infestations
    Rural homes, barns, and storage buildings increase chance of exposure. Canada.ca

  4. Agricultural work
    Harvesting, grain handling, and fieldwork place people near rodent habitats and droppings. cdc.gov

  5. Storing food in open containers
    Open grain attracts rodents and increases contamination risk. cdc.gov

  6. Poor rodent control in homes or farms
    Lack of sealing, traps, and sanitation keeps rodent populations high. cdc.gov

  7. Cleaning enclosed, unused spaces
    Sheds/attics with rodent nests may generate infectious dust. cdc.gov

  8. Sleeping on floors or close to rodent activity
    Increases contact with contaminated surfaces. cdc.gov

  9. Handling infected animal carcasses or tissues
    Contact with infected rodents or experimental animals can transmit virus. CDC Stacks

  10. Healthcare exposure without full precautions
    Close contact with blood or body fluids can be risky in rare cases; strict infection control is advised for hemorrhagic fevers. NCBI

  11. Laboratory accidents (aerosol leaks, needle sticks)
    Documented lab cases show the danger of aerosols and sharps injuries. Wikipedia

  12. Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in labs
    Working with live arenaviruses requires high-level PPE and biosafety. Canada.ca

  13. Rodent-infested workplaces (mills, granaries)
    Occupational exposure is plausible by analogy to other arenaviruses. cdc.gov

  14. Environmental change (deforestation, construction)
    Disturbing habitats can bring humans into closer contact with reservoir rodents. BioMed Central

  15. Flooding or heavy rains that drive rodents indoors
    Rodent displacement increases home contamination risk. BioMed Central

  16. Travel to affected localities in São Paulo state
    Known natural cases were in this region; risk elsewhere is uncertain. Canada.ca

  17. Staying in buildings with poor seals or holes
    Openings allow rodents to enter and nest. cdc.gov

  18. Handling field samples or fresh rodent traps
    Contact with excreta during fieldwork is risky without PPE. CDC Stacks

  19. Use of high-speed lab equipment with infectious material
    Centrifuges and homogenizers can create aerosols if containment fails. Wikipedia

  20. Lack of health education about rodent-borne diseases
    People may not recognize everyday activities that raise exposure risk. cdc.gov

Symptoms

  1. Fever
    Often the first sign; can be high and persistent. PMC

  2. Strong tiredness (malaise) and weakness
    Common in early illness, as with other arenaviruses. Pediatrics Publications

  3. Headache
    Frequent and can be severe. PMC

  4. Muscle and joint aches
    Body pains are common during the first week. Pediatrics Publications

  5. Nausea and vomiting
    Gastrointestinal upset often appears early. rarediseases.info.nih.gov

  6. Sore throat or cough
    Respiratory symptoms can occur in the prodromal phase. Pediatrics Publications

  7. Eye redness or small red spots (conjunctival petechiae)
    Shows fragile blood vessels and platelet problems. rarediseases.info.nih.gov

  8. Bleeding (nose, gums, vomiting blood)
    Marks progression to hemorrhagic disease in severe cases. rarediseases.info.nih.gov

  9. Abdominal pain and diarrhea
    May accompany systemic illness. PMC

  10. Dizziness or fainting
    Can come from fluid loss or low blood pressure. PMC

  11. Bruising easily
    Due to low platelets and clotting problems. Pediatrics Publications

  12. Liver problems (tenderness, jaundice in some)
    Liver injury is documented in severe disease. Wikipedia

  13. Neurologic signs (confusion, tremors, seizures in severe cases)
    A small subset progress to neurologic complications, as seen in New World arenaviruses. PMC

  14. Shortness of breath or cough with fluid in lungs (severe cases)
    Part of multi-organ involvement in advanced illness. Pediatrics Publications

  15. Shock and coma (critical cases)
    Life-threatening end-stage features without rapid intensive care. rarediseases.info.nih.gov

Diagnostic tests

A) Physical examination (bedside findings)

  1. Vital signs
    Fever, fast heart rate, and low blood pressure suggest severe infection or shock. These guide urgent care. NCBI

  2. Skin and mucosa check
    Petechiae, bruises, gum bleeding, or nosebleeds point to hemorrhagic involvement. Pediatrics Publications

  3. Eye exam
    Conjunctival suffusion or petechiae support a bleeding tendency. Pediatrics Publications

  4. Abdominal exam
    Liver tenderness or enlargement can indicate hepatitis from the virus. Wikipedia

  5. Neurologic check
    Confusion, tremors, or seizures signal severe disease and need escalation. PMC

B) Manual / bedside tests (simple functional checks)

  1. Capillary refill time
    A delayed refill suggests poor circulation or shock, guiding fluid resuscitation. NCBI

  2. Orthostatic vital signs
    Drop in blood pressure on standing can reflect volume loss and dehydration. NCBI

  3. Tourniquet test
    Fragility of small vessels with easy petechiae supports a hemorrhagic process (a general VHF bedside tool). NCBI

C) Laboratory and pathological tests

  1. Complete blood count (CBC) with platelets
    Low platelets and low white cells are common in hemorrhagic fevers; they help track severity. Pediatrics Publications

  2. Coagulation tests (PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer)
    Identify bleeding risk and possible DIC-like patterns in severe cases. Pediatrics Publications

  3. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT), bilirubin
    Elevations indicate hepatic injury; reported in Sabiá cases. Wikipedia

  4. Kidney function (creatinine, BUN) and electrolytes
    Assess organ function and guide fluids and renal support. NCBI

  5. Serum lactate
    High lactate suggests poor tissue perfusion in shock; steers critical care. NCBI

  6. Sabiá virus RT-PCR (blood/serum)
    Detects viral RNA and confirms the diagnosis when available in reference labs. PMC

  7. Antigen detection or ELISA IgM/IgG
    Serology can support diagnosis (IgM in acute, IgG later), typically at specialized centers. PMC

  8. Virus isolation in high-containment labs
    Definitive but rarely needed clinically; reserved for research or public-health confirmation. Canada.ca

  9. Other infection rule-outs (e.g., malaria smear/rapid test, dengue/Chapare testing, blood cultures)
    Important because early symptoms mimic other tropical infections and other arenavirus diseases. Pan American Health Organization

D) Electrodiagnostic tests

  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
    Monitors heart rate/rhythm in severe illness, shock, or electrolyte problems. NCBI

  2. Electroencephalogram (EEG) when seizures occur
    Assesses brain activity and guides anti-seizure care in complicated cases. NCBI

E) Imaging tests

  1. Chest X-ray or lung ultrasound; abdominal ultrasound or CT when indicated
    Looks for fluid in the lungs, enlarged liver/spleen, or internal bleeding; head CT if neurologic decline suggests intracranial bleeding. NCBI

Non-pharmacological treatments (therapies & other measures)

1) Immediate isolation and standard/expanded precautions
Place the patient in a single room with dedicated bathroom; use contact and droplet/airborne precautions per local protocols. This limits spread to staff and visitors, which is essential while testing is pending. cdc.gov

2) Full personal protective equipment (PPE) training and don/doff buddy checks
Gloves, gown, eye/face protection, and respiratory protection are used rigorously, with trained observers for putting on and removing PPE to prevent accidental exposure. cdc.gov

3) Early notification of public health authorities
Clinicians should notify local health departments and request CDC/WHO guidance for testing, specimen handling, and treatment logistics; this also triggers contact tracing. cdc.gov

4) Careful IV fluid resuscitation
Give isotonic fluids to treat dehydration and low blood pressure, but avoid fluid overload that can worsen lung function; frequent reassessment is essential. cdc.gov

5) Hemodynamic monitoring and vasopressor support
If shock persists after fluids, critical-care teams use invasive or noninvasive monitoring and start vasopressors to maintain organ perfusion. cdc.gov

6) Oxygen therapy and advanced respiratory support
Start with supplemental oxygen; escalate to high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation if respiratory failure develops, using infection-control precautions for aerosol-generating procedures. cdc.gov

7) Renal support (hemodialysis/CRRT) when indicated
Acute kidney injury may require dialysis. Facilities must apply special precautions to deliver dialysis safely to VHF patients. cdc.gov

8) Frequent labs and point-of-care testing with biosafety controls
Check CBC, electrolytes, liver enzymes, coagulation, and blood gases repeatedly; use designated analyzers and safe specimen transport. cdc.gov

9) Blood component therapy
Transfuse packed red blood cells, platelets, or plasma to correct anemia or coagulopathy using stringent transfusion protocols and goals-of-care discussions. cdc.gov

10) Meticulous bleeding control
Apply local pressure, avoid unnecessary needles, and use atraumatic procedures; treat coagulopathy supportively under specialist guidance. cdc.gov

11) Fever and pain control with acetaminophen (avoid NSAIDs unless directed)
Use acetaminophen for comfort; avoid NSAIDs that might worsen bleeding unless a specialist advises otherwise. cdc.gov

12) Nausea/vomiting management and aspiration prevention
Antiemetics and small, frequent sips reduce dehydration risk and protect the airway. cdc.gov

13) Early nutritional support
Begin enteral nutrition as soon as it’s safe to support healing and immunity; dietitians tailor calories, protein, and electrolytes. cdc.gov

14) Infection-prevention bundles for lines, catheters, and ventilators
Use checklists and sterile technique to avoid secondary bacterial infections. cdc.gov

15) Glycemic control and general ICU bundles
Maintain target blood glucose, prevent pressure injuries and blood clots (mechanical methods if bleeding risk is high). cdc.gov

16) Multidisciplinary ICU care and frequent reassessment
Coordinate among infectious-disease, critical care, nephrology, transfusion medicine, and nursing to adjust care quickly as labs and status change. cdc.gov

17) Safe handling of bodies and environmental decontamination
If a death occurs, follow strict post-mortem procedures and biomedical waste policies to prevent exposure. cdc.gov

18) Counseling and psychosocial support
Provide clear information to patients and families, and mental-health support to staff under high stress. cdc.gov

19) Exposure evaluation and monitoring of contacts
Public health officials define close contacts and monitor them for symptoms with clear instructions for rapid evaluation if fever develops. cdc.gov

20) Research coordination and biobanking under ethics oversight
If feasible, enroll patients in protocols that safely collect data/samples to improve future care. cdc.gov


Drug treatments

Important safety note: There is no FDA-approved antiviral specifically for Sabiá virus. Some drugs below are used off-label for arenaviruses by expert teams; their FDA labels (linked in references) cover other diseases and provide safety information—not approval for Sabiá virus. Dosing for Sabiá virus should only be determined by specialist teams and may differ from label doses. cdc.gov+1

1) Ribavirin (systemic) – broad-spectrum antiviral (off-label for arenaviruses)
Description & purpose (≈150 words): Ribavirin inhibits viral RNA synthesis and has activity against several arenaviruses in cells and animal models; in human Lassa and Argentine hemorrhagic fever it has shown benefit when started early. For Sabiá virus there is no controlled human trial, but some expert groups may consider IV or oral ribavirin in severe arenaviral disease after risk–benefit review. Safety issues include hemolytic anemia and teratogenicity; pregnancy must be avoided. Drug class: nucleoside analog antiviral. Dosage/time (per FDA labels for approved uses, not for Sabiá virus): oral/IV regimens differ by indication; see labels. Mechanism: guanosine analog that depletes GTP pools and promotes lethal mutagenesis. Side effects: hemolytic anemia, teratogenicity, hepatic and cardiac risks, fatigue, cough. Note: Off-label for Sabiá virus; specialist oversight required. PubMed+1

2) Remdesivir – nucleotide analog (investigational/off-label for arenaviruses)
Description & purpose: Remdesivir blocks viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and is FDA-approved for COVID-19. It has broad antiviral activity and has been considered on a compassionate basis in some severe VHFs when no alternatives exist, though evidence for arenaviruses is limited. Class: nucleotide prodrug antiviral. Dosage/time (per FDA label for COVID-19): loading dose followed by daily IV infusions for up to 5–10 days, with renal and hepatic precautions. Mechanism: causes delayed chain termination during RNA synthesis. Side effects: infusion reactions, liver enzyme elevations, nausea; adjust for renal function per label. Note: Not approved for Sabiá virus; consult experts. FDA Access Data+1

3) Acetaminophen (paracetamol) – antipyretic/analgesic for comfort
Used to control fever and pain and reduce metabolic stress. Avoid NSAIDs if bleeding risk is high. Follow label dosing limits (e.g., max daily dose and liver cautions). Supportive only; not antiviral. cdc.gov

4) Ondansetron – antiemetic to reduce vomiting/dehydration
Controls nausea/vomiting so patients can keep fluids and medicines down; dosing and QT precautions per FDA label. Supportive only; not antiviral. cdc.gov

5) Proton-pump inhibitor (e.g., pantoprazole) – stress ulcer prophylaxis
ICU patients with shock/coagulopathy often receive PPIs to lower the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding; dosing per label. Supportive only. cdc.gov

6) Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone) for secondary bacterial infection
Not antiviral, but used if bacterial sepsis or pneumonia is suspected. Choice and dosing follow antimicrobial guidelines and FDA labels for the chosen drug. Do not delay VHF care while evaluating. cdc.gov

7) Vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine) – treat shock
When fluids are insufficient, norepinephrine is first-line to maintain blood pressure in septic/distributive shock; dosing and monitoring per label/ICU protocols. Supportive only. cdc.gov

8) Anticoagulation (mechanical preferred; pharmacologic only if safe)
Because bleeding risk is high in VHFs, teams usually prefer mechanical VTE prophylaxis; pharmacologic agents are reserved for selected cases under specialist guidance following label precautions. Supportive only. cdc.gov

9) Electrolyte replacement solutions (IV/PO)
Corrects hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and metabolic derangements that can worsen organ failure; exact products and rates follow ICU protocols. Supportive only. cdc.gov

10) Glucose and insulin protocols
Maintain safe blood sugar targets to improve outcomes in critical illness; individualized per ICU protocols and labels. Supportive only. cdc.gov

11) Anticonvulsants (if seizures occur)
Drugs such as levetiracetam may be used if seizures develop; dosing per FDA label and renal function. Supportive only. cdc.gov

12) Sedation/analgesia for ventilated patients
Agents (e.g., propofol, fentanyl) titrated to comfort and safety with label-based monitoring; avoids self-extubation and reduces physiologic stress. Supportive only. cdc.gov

13) Antidiarrheals (select cases)
Used cautiously to reduce fluid losses once invasive infection and ileus are excluded; follow label cautions. Supportive only. cdc.gov

14) Vitamin K (selected coagulopathy scenarios)
May be considered if vitamin-K deficiency contributes to bleeding; not a treatment for VHF coagulopathy itself. Supportive only. cdc.gov

15) Empiric antimalarials (endemic differential diagnosis only)
In regions where malaria is prevalent, critically ill febrile patients may receive antimalarials while awaiting tests; not specific to Sabiá virus and guided by local policy and labels. cdc.gov

16) Proton-sparing antiemetics (e.g., promethazine alternatives if QT risk)
Choice tailored to cardiac risk and drug interactions; follow label warnings. Supportive only. cdc.gov

17) Broad-spectrum antifungals (only if proven/suspected)
Reserved for documented fungal coinfection in prolonged ICU care; dosing per label. Supportive only. cdc.gov

18) Topical hemostatic agents for minor oozing
Local measures may reduce catheter-site bleeding while systemic coagulopathy is managed. Adjunct only. cdc.gov

19) Proton-sparing GI protectants (H2 blockers) as alternatives
Used if PPI contraindicated; adhere to label dosing and renal adjustments. Supportive only. cdc.gov

20) Convalescent plasma/monoclonal antibodies (research only)
For Sabiá virus there is no licensed product; use only in a research or compassionate framework with ethics oversight. PMC+1

Key FDA label references for safety/dosing of drugs mentioned above (again: labels are for approved indications, not Sabiá virus): Ribavirin (REBETOL/COPEGUS/Virazole); Remdesivir (VEKLURY). FDA Access Data+4FDA Access Data+4FDA Access Data+4


Dietary molecular supplements

Important safety clarification: There are no dietary supplements proven to treat or cure Sabiá virus infection. In severe VHFs, unsupervised supplements can be harmful (drug interactions, liver injury, bleeding). The safest, evidence-aligned approach is clinical nutrition: adequate calories, protein, and electrolytes guided by a dietitian, not self-prescribed pills. Below are nutrition-focused measures used in ICUs, not disease “cures.” cdc.gov

  1. Early enteral nutrition with balanced macronutrients to maintain gut integrity and immunity; formula and rate tailored to labs and organ function. cdc.gov

  2. Protein-adequate feeds (dietitian-set grams/day) to support healing and prevent muscle loss; avoid excess in renal/hepatic failure. cdc.gov

  3. Electrolyte repletion (K⁺, Mg²⁺, PO₄³⁻) via diet/IV as ordered to stabilize heart rhythm and metabolism; doses individualized. cdc.gov

  4. Thiamine (clinician-ordered) in malnourished or septic patients to support energy metabolism; hospital protocols guide dosing. cdc.gov

  5. Vitamin D (if deficient) per lab-guided dosing under medical supervision; not an antiviral. cdc.gov

  6. Zinc (if deficient) can be corrected to support wound healing; excess may cause copper deficiency or GI upset. cdc.gov

  7. Folate/B12 (if deficient) for anemia support; dosing after labs and under clinician guidance. cdc.gov

  8. Omega-3 fatty acids (enteral formulas) may be used in some ICU diets under protocols; avoid if bleeding risk is high without specialist review. cdc.gov

  9. Glutamine-enriched feeds are not standard for all ICU patients; consider only if protocol-supported; risks/benefits reviewed by the team. cdc.gov

  10. Probiotics are generally avoided in severe immunocompromise or critical illness due to rare bloodstream infection risk. Do not self-start. cdc.gov


Immunity-booster / regenerative / stem-cell drugs

Ethical and safety statement: There are no approved “immunity-booster,” “regenerative,” or stem-cell drugs for Sabiá virus. Using such products outside trials can be dangerous. Care focuses on supportive critical care and, in selected cases, off-label antivirals under expert oversight. If you see claims of stem-cell cures for VHFs, treat them as unproven. cdc.gov+1


Procedures/surgeries

1) Central venous catheter placement
A sterile line is inserted into a large vein to give fluids, vasopressors, and draw labs safely; essential in shock management while minimizing repeated needle sticks. cdc.gov

2) Endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation
A breathing tube supports patients with respiratory failure or altered mental status; performed with maximal PPE and aerosol-precaution techniques. cdc.gov

3) Hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
Used for severe kidney failure, fluid overload, or refractory acidosis; delivered with strict infection-control protocols for VHF patients. cdc.gov

4) Procedural bleeding control (e.g., endoscopic hemostasis for GI bleeding)
When feasible and safe, endoscopy or interventional radiology can target focal bleeding sources while transfusion corrects coagulopathy. cdc.gov

5) Arterial line placement
Allows beat-to-beat blood-pressure monitoring and frequent blood sampling in the ICU to guide resuscitation precisely. cdc.gov


Preventions

  1. Avoid contact with rodent urine/feces; store food in rodent-proof containers. World Health Organization

  2. Seal homes and workplaces to keep rodents out; remove clutter and trash promptly. World Health Organization

  3. Use gloves and masks when cleaning rodent-contaminated areas; wet down droppings before cleanup. World Health Organization

  4. Do not sweep or vacuum dry rodent waste to avoid aerosolization. World Health Organization

  5. Practice hand hygiene after outdoor work, farming, or handling animals. cdc.gov

  6. Healthcare workers: follow VHF PPE and isolation protocols strictly. cdc.gov

  7. Safe injection and phlebotomy—minimize needles and use safety devices. cdc.gov

  8. Safe lab handling—package and ship specimens using approved VHF guidance. cdc.gov

  9. Public health reporting of suspected cases to trigger contact tracing and advice. cdc.gov

  10. Travel and outbreak awareness—follow official alerts in affected regions. BioMed Central


When to see doctors (urgent triggers)

Seek immediate care for high fever, severe weakness, bleeding (nose, gums, vomit, stool, urine), severe belly pain, confusion, shortness of breath, or rapidly dropping blood pressure—especially after rodent exposure or travel in Brazil where Sabiá virus has been reported. Early isolation and supportive care are critical. SciELO+1


What to eat and what to avoid

What to eat: small, frequent, easy-to-digest meals; adequate fluids, protein, fruits/vegetables as tolerated, and electrolyte-rich liquids if approved by the team. Enteral nutrition may be used in the ICU. cdc.gov

What to avoid: alcohol; herbal or over-the-counter supplements not approved by clinicians; NSAIDs unless your team advises them; raw/undercooked foods if neutropenic; high-salt or high-potassium foods if you have kidney failure. Always follow your care team’s diet plan. cdc.gov


Frequently asked questions

1) Is Sabiá virus contagious between people?
Person-to-person spread is not well defined; strict isolation/PPE are used because other arenaviruses can spread through body fluids. cdc.gov

2) Is there a vaccine?
No licensed vaccine exists for Sabiá virus. (A live-attenuated vaccine exists for Argentine HF, not Sabiá.) PMC

3) What is the main treatment?
Supportive ICU care—fluids, oxygen, blood products, and organ support—while experts consider investigational antivirals. cdc.gov

4) Does ribavirin cure Sabiá virus?
No proven cure; ribavirin has activity against some arenaviruses and may be used off-label by specialists, but evidence in Sabiá virus is limited. PubMed

5) What about remdesivir?
Remdesivir is FDA-approved for COVID-19; any use for Sabiá virus would be investigational and specialist-directed. FDA Access Data

6) How is the diagnosis made?
By specialized PCR/serology at reference labs; clinicians alert public health partners to arrange safe testing and transport. cdc.gov

7) Why avoid NSAIDs?
Because of bleeding risk in hemorrhagic fevers; acetaminophen is preferred unless contraindicated. cdc.gov

8) Can supplements help?
No supplement has proven benefit; some increase bleeding or harm the liver. Only use nutrition plans approved by your care team. cdc.gov

9) What complications occur?
Shock, bleeding, liver injury, kidney failure, and respiratory failure; these require intensive care. cdc.gov

10) How rare is it?
Extremely rare; only a few human cases have been documented in Brazil. SciELO

11) What’s the source?
Likely wild rodents, similar to other New World arenaviruses, though the full ecology is still being studied. PMC

12) Can blood products transmit it?
Theoretically possible, so transfusions follow strict screening and infection-control steps. cdc.gov

13) Are children affected differently?
Data are very limited; supportive principles are the same with pediatric adjustments. cdc.gov

14) How do hospitals protect staff?
By isolation rooms, PPE, trained observers, safe labs, and waste protocols. cdc.gov

15) Where can clinicians find drug safety details?
On FDA labels for the medications being considered (e.g., ribavirin, remdesivir) and via consultation with public health agencies. FDA Access Data+1

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment planlife stylefood habithormonal conditionimmune systemchronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team RxHarun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: November 02, 2025.

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