New killer virus found in Africa

[IDemo]

Scientists discover disease that causes Ebola-like bleeding

updated 6:17 p.m. CT, Thurs., May 28, 2009

ATLANTA - Scientists have identified a lethal new virus in Africa that causes bleeding like the dreaded Ebola virus.

The so-called "Lujo" virus infected five people in Zambia and South Africa last fall. Four of them died, but a fifth survived, perhaps helped by a medicine recommended by the scientists.

It's not clear how the first person became infected, but the bug comes from a family of viruses found in rodents, said Dr. Ian Lipkin, a Columbia University epidemiologist involved in the discovery.

"This one is really, really aggressive," he said of the virus.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30989694/

[pansypoo53219]

1. i recommend the book-te coming plague.

all about diseases like this, but it was a great read.

[depakid]

2. Sounds like a nasty pathogen

I wonder what the reservoir is?

[Nihil]

3. Probably red & sticky ... (n/t)

:P