Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are a group of diseases caused by a diverse group of viruses. Some commonly known VHFs include Ebola Disease, Lassa Fever, and Yellow Fever. VHFs can cause a wide range of symptoms from fever, fatigue, and vomiting to seizures, hemorrhaging and even death. These viruses enter the human population either after contact with an infected animal’s droppings or bodily fluids or by the bite of an infected host animal or host insect such as by mosquitos in the case of Dengue and Yellow Fever or a tick in the case of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). In some cases, these viruses can continue to spread from person-to-person via contact with blood and bodily fluids, and respiratory secretions in some cases. Suspicion of a VHF is considered when clinical examination and epidemiologic history coincide, such as travel to an endemic region or one experiencing an active outbreak. Confirmatory diagnosis of infection comes from blood testing, but often takes time as only select laboratories have the testing capabilities for many of these infections. There is no cure or treatment for many of these diseases but supportive care such as medication to alleviate pain, fluid replacement, and respiratory support offer a more favorable outcome. The viruses that cause VHF circulate globally and it’s important to understand what may be circulating in your area or the area you may travel to in order to introduce preventative measures. Preventative measures include vaccination when available, avoiding contact with sick or deceased animals, prevention of mosquito and tick bites, and elimination of rodent populations in the home.
Maegan Traveler is an Education Specialist for Education and Institutional Preparedness for the SPECTRE Program.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/about.html
https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/viral-haemorrhagic-fever
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/viral-hemorrhagic-fevers