Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHFs)

• Marburg.
• Ebola [EVD].
• Dengue.
• Crimean congo.
• Lassa fever.
• Yellow fever.
• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.

• Traveling [especially on international trips].
• Working or living with the sick.
• Sharing needles to use intravenous drugs.
• Slaughtering or eating infected animals.
• Having unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Exposure to infected blood or other infected body fluids.
• Working outdoor or in rat-infested buildings.

• Brain – affects coordination
• Eyes – affects sight
• Heart – affects blood circulation and energy
• Lungs – affects breathing and oxygen supply
• Spleen – increased infection and reduction of the level of blood cells
• Kidneys – affects urination and urinary tracts
• Liver – excretion of chemical waste like bile from the blood will be hindered.

• Hand gloves
• Eye goggles
• Face shield
• Gowns

• Careful handling of lab specimens and waste
• Disinfection of lab specimens/waste
• Proper disposal of lab specimen and waste

• Doctor’s private inquiry.
• Your detailed medical history
• Your detailed travel history: In describing your international trip, details must include the countries you visited and the dates, any contact you may have had with possible sources of infection.
• Details of any of your exposure to rodents or mosquitoes.
• Blood sample tests:

• Medications

• Therapy

• Surgical and other procedures.

Symptoms

SYMPTOMS OF VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVER

The initial signs and symptoms of VHFs may vary per disease. 

Generally, the initial signs and symptoms may include:

• High fever.
• Weakness.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Joints, bones, or muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Rashes.

In severe cases, hemorrhagic fever symptoms can include:

• Bleeding from the eyes, nose, ears, or mouth.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Internal bleeding.
• Failure of organs.
• Coma [a prolonged and deep state of unconsciousness].
• Shock [a condition where the organs do not receive enough blood or oxygen].
• Death.

CARRIERS/HOSTS/VECTORS OF THE VHF VIRUSES

• Animals:
  • Rodents [rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels].
  • Prairie dogs.
  • Guinea pigs.
  • Hamsters, etc.  
• Insects:
  • Ticks.
  • Mosquitoes, etc.

• Infected people, who are not the hosts, but infected by animals and insects [the hosts].

Causes

CAUSES

VHFs are caused by viruses. Hemorrhagic fever viruses occur naturally in some animals and insects, and they always infect people via contact with fluids or excretions from animals or other people infected with the viruses. 

Common channels of transmission are:

• Touch.

Contact with infected persons, surfaces, or items.

• Water.

The viruses are also found in contaminated water or other fluids.

• Food.

In most contaminated foods, hazardous viruses can be found.

• Air.

A few varieties can be inhaled into the body system, for example: from infected rat feces or urine. The viruses can also be invited into the lungs when an individual finds himself in a concentrated area, such as markets, schools, hospitals, clubs, and etcetera.

• Healthcare centers. 

Health workers should be properly masked and gloved. Blood should be screened thoroughly, needles treated, bed covers changed for each patient, rooms of infected persons separated, and other good preventive measures in place.

• Sex without protection.

FAQ

Is there a vaccine for hemorrhagic fever?

Can viral hemorrhagic fever disease be prevented? No vaccines are available to prevent these diseases. Two exceptions are for yellow fever and Argentine hemorrhagic fever.

Is hemorrhagic fever fatal?

These symptoms are often accompanied by hemorrhage (bleeding), however, the bleeding is itself rarely life-threatening. While some types of hemorrhagic fever viruses can cause relatively mild illnesses, many of these viruses cause severe life-threatening disease.

Is viral hemorrhagic fever contagious?

The route transmission varies by a specific virus. Some viral hemorrhagic fever is spread by mosquito or tick bites. Others are transmitted by contacts with infected blood or semen. A few varieties can be inhaled from infected rat feces or urine.

Is viral hemorrhagic fever airborne?

The airborne transmission also can occur but is rare, the report says, Clinical manifestations of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) may include fever, myalgias, rash, and encephalitis, but presentations vary depending on the virus, the authors say.

What is the best treatment for hemorrhagic fever?

Medications. While no specific treatment exists for most viral hemorrhagic fever, the antiviral drug ribavirin (Rebetol, Virazole, others) may help shorten the course of some infections and prevent complications in some cases.