Comprehensive Guide on Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment

Overview

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of illnesses caused by four families of viruses. These include the Ebola and Marburg, Lassa fever, and yellow fever viruses. VHFs have common features: they affect many organs, damage the blood vessels, and affect the body’s ability to regulate itself. Some VHFs cause mild disease, but some, like Ebola or Marburg, cause severe disease and death.

Types of Bunyaviruses

VHFs are caused by viruses from four distinct families: arenaviruses, filoviruses, bunyaviruses, and flaviviruses. Each of these families share some common features but are unique in their host interactions. The diseases caused by these viruses include:

1) Dengue: Mostly a self-limiting acute febrile illness, some patients progress to severe dengue, which has a high mortality rate.

2) Ebola and Marburg: Known for causing dramatic outbreaks with high fatality rates.

3) Lassa: Endemic in West Africa, it is usually a mild illness, but can be severe and life-threatening for some patients.

4) Yellow Fever: An acute viral haemorrhagic disease endemic in tropical areas of Africa and South America.

Causes of Bunyaviruses

VHFs are caused by viruses, which are small germs that can cause disease in humans and animals. These viruses live in animals like rodents, ticks, and mosquitoes, which can pass the virus to humans.

Risk Factors of Bunyaviruses

Risk factors for VHFs include traveling to areas where these diseases are endemic, handling animals that can carry these viruses, and unprotected contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person.

Symptoms of Bunyaviruses

The symptoms of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are:

1. Fever: This is a common symptom in all VHFs. The body’s temperature rises as it tries to fight off the virus.

2. Fatigue, Weakness or General Feeling of Being Unwell: These are early signs of VHFs. The body is using energy to fight off the virus, which can cause feelings of tiredness and weakness.

3. Dizziness: Some people with VHFs may experience dizziness. This can be due to a number of factors, including dehydration from fever and other symptoms.

4. Muscle, Bone or Joint Aches: These are common symptoms in VHFs. The body’s immune response to the virus can cause inflammation and pain.

5. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur in VHFs, often due to the body’s response to the virus.

6. Diarrhea: This can occur in VHFs, often due to the body’s response to the virus.

7. Bleeding Under the Skin, in Internal Organs or from Body Openings: In severe cases of VHFs, the virus can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to bleeding.

Preventions of Bunyaviruses

Prevention of VHFs involves avoiding contact with host species, using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and getting vaccinated if a vaccine is available.

Diagnosis of Bunyaviruses

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, travel history, and laboratory testing for specific antigens or antibodies.

Treatment for Bunyaviruses

There are no specific treatments for VHFs. Patients often require intensive care and support.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you have symptoms of VHF and have traveled to an area where these diseases are endemic or have been in contact with an infected person or animal, seek medical attention immediately.