The outcome is either death within a few days to weeks, or recovery with virus elimination. In experimentally-induced nontolerant infections, the primary pathological lesions are hepatic necrosis, generalized lymphocytolysis of T and B cells, and fibrinoid necrosis of lymphoid organs. Natural infections in hamsters are generally considered subclinical. In humans, the usual clinical manifestations are those of a flu-like illness and include fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting sore throat, and phobophobia. Occasionally, rash, diarrhea, cough, lymphadenopathy, orchitis, delirium or amnesia occurs.
Serological testing is the most practical procedure for routine diagnosis.
The most practical method of control of LCMV is to obtain mice and hamsters only from colonies shown to be free of the disease and to maintain them in a facility that excludes wild rodents. If LCMV is identified in a rodent population, the entire stock should be eliminated.