Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Overview

Viral hemorrhagic fevers are a group of infectious diseases that can cause severe, life-threatening illness. These diseases can damage the walls of tiny blood vessels, making them leak, and can hamper the blood's ability to clot. The resulting internal bleeding is usually not life-threatening, but the diseases can be.

Types of Viral hemorrhagic fevers

1. Dengue: Dengue is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is caused by the dengue virus. It is spread through mosquito bites and is common in tropical regions.
2. Ebola: Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is caused by the Ebola virus. It is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids and is found in West Africa.
3. Lassa: Lassa is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is caused by the Lassa virus. It is spread through contact with infected rodents and is found in West Africa.
4. Marburg: Marburg is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is caused by the Marburg virus. It is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids and is found in Central Africa.
5. Yellow fever: Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is caused by the yellow fever virus. It is spread through mosquito bites and is found in tropical regions.

Causes of Viral hemorrhagic fevers

1. Mosquito bites: Mosquito bites are the primary cause of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as dengue and yellow fever.
2. Contact with infected bodily fluids: Contact with infected bodily fluids is the primary cause of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg.
3. Contact with infected rodents: Contact with infected rodents is the primary cause of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Lassa.

Risk Factors of Viral hemorrhagic fevers

1. Travel: Traveling to areas where these diseases are common can increase the risk of developing a viral hemorrhagic fever.
2. Contact with infected individuals: Contact with infected individuals can increase the risk of developing a viral hemorrhagic fever.
3. Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene can increase the risk of developing a viral hemorrhagic fever.

Symptoms of Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Preventions of Viral hemorrhagic fevers

1. Vaccination: Vaccination is available for some types of viral hemorrhagic fevers.
2. Avoiding mosquito bites: Avoiding mosquito bites can prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as dengue and yellow fever.
3. Wearing protective clothing: Wearing protective clothing can prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola and Marburg.
4. Avoiding contact with infected individuals: Avoiding contact with infected individuals can prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Complications:

1. Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding can occur due to the damage caused by the virus to the blood vessels.
2. Organ failure: Organ failure can occur due to the damage caused by the virus to the organs.
3. Death: Death can occur due to the severe symptoms and complications caused by the virus.

Diagnosis of Viral hemorrhagic fevers

1. Medical history: A healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history to determine if the patient has recently traveled to an area where these diseases are common or has been in contact with an infected individual.
2. Physical examination: A physical examination will be performed to assess for signs of illness such as fever, headache, and muscle pain.
3. Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of a viral hemorrhagic fever.

Treatment for Viral hemorrhagic fevers

1. Fluid replacement: Fluid replacement may be necessary to prevent dehydration and other complications.
2. Medications: Medications such as antiviral drugs may be prescribed to treat severe symptoms.
3. Blood transfusions: Blood transfusions may be necessary in cases of severe bleeding.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding, you should seek medical attention immediately.