The Sabiá virus, known to cause acute hemorrhagic and neurological syndromes, has been circulating in Brazil for approximately 142 years. A recent study published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases by researchers from the Brazil-UK Joint Center for Arbovirus Discovery reveals that the virus has undergone significant genetic changes since its reference strain was identified in 1990. These mutations have hindered the effectiveness of existing diagnostic tests, prompting researchers to develop new primers for better detection. The study examined cases from 2019 and 2020, identifying two fatalities linked to the virus. The researchers emphasized the importance of genomic surveillance to anticipate future outbreaks, particularly as the species that serves as a reservoir for the virus remains unidentified, though wild rodents are suspected. The Sabiá virus poses a high risk of aerosol transmission in laboratory settings, necessitating advanced biosafety measures. A new laboratory capable of safely handling the virus is scheduled to open in 2030 in Campinas, Brazil, marking a significant step in public health preparedness.