Arenavirus infections are caused by a wide range of viruses that often infect rodents. Arenaviruses are transmitted into the environment by infected rodent hosts via their urine, saliva, or droppings. People get infected when mouse droppings, urine, or nesting materials are disturbed, such as during cleaning. People may also get infected by touching their faces after coming into contact with the virus, by being bitten or scratched by infected rodents, or by eating contaminated food. Arenaviruses may be transmitted to humans in certain cases by eating infected rodents.
The most well-known arenaviruses include lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and hemorrhagic fevers induced by Machupo virus, Junin virus, and Lassa virus.
Moreover, the rodents that carry arenaviruses may be found all throughout the globe, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Arenavirus infections in humans are rather prevalent in various parts of the globe and may cause serious sickness.