It is a positive-stranded RNA virus classified in the family Arteriviridae.

[2] Patas are believed to be the natural host for the virus since about 50% of wild patas monkeys have antibodies for the virus, while antibodies are much less prevalent in other simian species such as vervets and baboons.

In macaques, however, infection with this virus can result in acute severe disease with high mortality.

Recently, red colobus monkeys and red-tailed guenons have been identified as natural hosts for SHFV.

Infection has a rapid onset with animals developing a high fever, facial edema, cyanosis, anorexia, melena, and may begin to hemorrhage at the cutaneous, subcutaneous, and retrobulbar levels.