What is
viral hemorrhagic fever?
Viral hemorrhagic fever refers to a group of
illnesses caused by four distinct families of
viruses. These viruses cause severe multi-system
illness, meaning that they affect several organ
systems. Some types of hemorrhagic fever viruses
can cause relatively mild illnesses and others
cause severe, life-threatening disease.
Examples of viral hemorrhagic fever include
Ebola and Marburg.
How common
is viral hemorrhagic fever?
Outbreaks of hemorrhagic fevers occur
irregularly and cannot be easily predicted.
The viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever are
spread throughout the globe. Because each virus is
associated with one or more particular host
species, the virus and the disease it causes are
usually seen only where the host species lives.
Some hosts are restricted to a certain area, while
others live throughout a continent or the world.
Due to global trading, it is possible for a host
to be shipped to anywhere.
How is
viral hemorrhagic fever spread?
The viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever are
usually carried in rodents, ticks, or mosquitoes.
Humans and other animals are susceptible to the
viruses and if infected, they can also transmit
the virus to others.
The viruses in rodent carriers are transmitted
when a human has contact with urine, fecal matter,
saliva, or other body fluids from infected
rodents. The virus from mosquitoes and ticks are
transmitted when humans are bitten or kill them.
What are
the symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever?
Specific signs and symptoms vary by the type of
hemorrhagic fever. Generally, initial symptoms
include high fever, fatigue, dizziness, muscle
aches, and exhaustion. Patients with severe cases
often have signs of bleeding under the skin, in
internal organs, or from body openings like the
mouth, eyes, or ears. Other severe symptoms
include shock, nervous system malfunction, coma,
delirium, kidney failure, and seizures.
What is the
treatment for viral hemorrhagic fever?
Generally, there is no treatment or cure for
hemorrhagic fevers. Patients receive supportive
care. In the case of a few viruses, an anti-viral
drug may be helpful.
Are there
complications from viral hemorrhagic fever?
In severe cases of hemorrhagic fever, death can
occur. Patients rarely die from blood loss.
Instead, death is due to the failure of vital
organs, such as the kidneys.
How can
viral hemorrhagic fever be prevented?
With the exception of two viruses, there are no
vaccines available. Prevention efforts include
avoiding contact with host species: controlling
the population of rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes
and keeping them from entering living spaces.
If human infection does occur, avoid close
physical contact with the infected person and
their body fluids unless wearing protective
clothing. Also, be careful to properly use,
disinfect, and dispose of instruments and
equipment used in the treatment of infected
patients.
Where can I
find our more about Viral Hemorrhagic Fever?
Other Category A disease agents
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