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Living with Lujo hemorrhagic fever

A virus infection from Zambia, passed from animals to people, that causes fever and bleeding.

Understanding Lujo hemorrhagic fever

Lujo hemorrhagic fever is a disease caused by the Lujo virus that spreads from animals to people (a zoonotic disease) and was seen in Zambia, Africa.

It causes fever and bleeding. GARD says it can spread in hospitals (nosocomial transmission) at a moderate to high level. It can occur at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Fever
  • Bleeding and bruising (ecchymosis)
  • Chest pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Confusion
  • Low white blood cell counts

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 can infection be prevented in a hospital?
What tests confirm the virus?
What precautions should household contacts take?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

It is caused by the Lujo virus, which spreads from animals to people. It is not described as an inherited condition.

Infectious

Also known as: hemorrhagic fever caused by lujo virus; zambian hemorrhagic fever

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Lujo hemorrhagic feverGARD ID 21410 · 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 Lujo hemorrhagic fever.

Explore the Lujo hemorrhagic fever blog

Explore research for Lujo hemorrhagic fever

Explore actively recruiting Lujo hemorrhagic fever studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Lujo 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

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I can help you find recruiting Lujo 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.

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