What is viral hemorrhagic fever?

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) refer to a group of illnesses caused by certain highly contagious viruses that lead to severe bleeding and multiple organ failure. Fever and internal bleeding are characteristic features of VHFs. The viruses responsible for VHFs are found in animals, such as rodents and bats, but they can spread to humans through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, tissues, or contaminated objects.

Some notable examples of viral hemorrhagic fevers include:

Ebola virus disease: Caused by the Ebola virus, it's characterized by high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, and bleeding.

Marburg virus disease: Similar to Ebola, Marburg virus causes a highly infectious disease with fever, headache, muscle pain, rash, and bleeding.

Lassa fever: Endemic in West Africa, Lassa fever is caused by the Lassa virus. It typically causes fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and occasional hemorrhaging.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF): CCHF is caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. It's transmitted by ticks and animals like sheep and cattle, leading to abrupt fever, bleeding, muscle pain, and organ failure.

Yellow fever: Transmitted by mosquitoes, yellow fever causes fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and bleeding tendencies. In some severe cases, it leads to jaundice and liver damage.

Junín hemorrhagic fever: Found in South America, Junín hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Junín virus and carried by rodents. Symptoms include fever, body pain, bleeding, and kidney complications.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers are often a public health concern due to their potential for causing outbreaks with high fatality rates. Early detection, prompt treatment, and comprehensive infection prevention and control measures are crucial for managing VHFs effectively.