Deadly Sabiá virus hid in Brazil for 142 years and evaded tests

Researchers studying two fatal Sabiá virus infections from 2019–2020 found mutations in the primer target regions that let the virus escape existing diagnostic tests. Genomic analysis suggests the virus has circulated in Brazil for about 142 years; redesigned primers have been sent to the Adolpho Lutz Institute.

• New genomes were about 89% identical to the 1999 strain
• Only four fatal cases documented in São Paulo state since 1990
• Virus has circulated in Brazil for roughly 142 years
• Handling live virus needs top biosafety level unavailable in South America