Arenaviruses are infectious agents carried by rodents that cause human illness similar to handovers.
In parts of Africa and South America, several arena viruses are known which cause mild to severe infection characterized by fever, headache and occasionally severe bleeding or nervous system problems. Lassa fever and the South American viral hemorrhagic fevers are examples of human illnesses caused by such arena viruses. In the United States, arenaviruses have been found in several types of rodents, including wood rats, cotton rats and common house mice. Initial symptoms may be relatively mild and nonspecific and may include fever, muscle aches, weakness, malaise and dizziness. They can progress to severe life-threatening diseases, including bleeding, shock and central nervous system involvement.