[1] It was initially isolated from the Mastomys natalensis mouse in the East African country of Mozambique in 1977.

[2][3][4] It is of the "Old World" Arenavirus lineage and is closely related to Lassa mammarenavirus, sharing 75% of its amino acid sequence.

[7] Infection of primates with the virus was demonstrated to prevent clinical disease following Lassa virus infection, indicating potential for use as a prophylactic vaccine for Lassa Fever.

[8] Although initially isolated in Mozambique, it has also been detected in rodents in Zimbabwe,[9] and Tanzania.

[4] Although not identified outside of these regions, it is possible that M. natalensis rodents could carry Mopeia virus to other areas of Southeast Africa.