Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

A serious viral infection that causes fever and muscle and joint aches, then bleeding and nervous system problems.

Understanding Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF) is a severe, sudden viral illness caused by the Machupo virus.

It begins with fever, muscle aches (myalgia), and joint pain (arthralgia). These are followed by bleeding (hemorrhagic) and nervous system problems. GARD notes it can occur at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

GARD describes the illness as starting with these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches (myalgia)
  • Joint pain (arthralgia)
  • Bleeding
  • Nervous system problems

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is this infection confirmed with testing?
What care and monitoring are needed during the illness?
How can household members protect themselves?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

It is caused by the Machupo virus (MACV).

Infectious

Also known as: bhf - bolivian hemorrhagic fever; black typhus; hemorrhagic fever due to machupo virus; machupo hemorrhagic fever

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Bolivian hemorrhagic feverGARD ID 21412 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Bolivian hemorrhagic fever.

Explore the Bolivian hemorrhagic fever blog

Explore research for Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Explore actively recruiting Bolivian hemorrhagic fever studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Bolivian hemorrhagic fever with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Bolivian hemorrhagic fever studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Bolivian hemorrhagic fever

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Bolivian hemorrhagic fever experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.