A96.0

Clinical Causes: Transmission through contact with infected rodents, specifically the field mouse (One oryzomys), which carries the virus. Exposure to rodent excreta such as urine, feces, or contaminated materials. Infection can occur through inhalation of aerosolized particles containing the virus from rodent droppings or nesting materials. Rare cases involve transmission through person-to-person contact, especially via bodily fluids or close contact with infected individuals.

Key Symptoms: Sudden high fever Headache and body aches Muscle weakness and fatigue Back pain and joint pain Nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea Facial flushing and rash in some cases Bleeding manifestations such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or unexplained bruising In severe cases, patients may experience neurological symptoms like confusion or seizures Progression to shock or multi-organ failure if untreated

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. Healthcare providers may order blood tests to detect antibodies to the Junin virus, identify viral RNA through PCR testing, or isolate the virus from patient samples. It's also important to consider the patient's history of exposure, especially if residing in or traveling to endemic areas of Argentina. Due to similarity with other hemorrhagic fevers, confirmatory testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Protocols: Hospitalization to monitor vital signs and manage complications Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration Blood transfusions if bleeding is severe Management of bleeding with medications if appropriate Use of immunoglobulins as experimental therapy in some cases Supportive therapy for respiratory or organ failure as needed