Scientists have identified a new virus that causes bleeding and shock and killed at least one man in a remote area of Bolivia.

It appears deadly and, like other related viruses, is carried by rodents, the researchers report in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Pathogens.

They have named the new virus the Chapare arenavirus, after the Chapare River in the eastern foothills of the Andes.

The scientists say the virus is related to the ones that cause Lassa fever and other rare viruses such as Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, and Sabia viruses.

They have about a 30% fatality rate. But the new one is genetically distinct.

Nichol says the virus has almost certainly been around for some time.

The new virus is probably carried by a rodent, as most are, and does not pose a widespread threat.