Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) refer to a group of illnesses that are caused by several different viruses that damage the body's system that carries blood. When one of these viruses enters the body, the body cannot regulate itself properly and multiple organ systems are affected. Ebola and Marburg are two examples of VHF viruses.
Possible Symptoms of VHFs:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Muscle aches
- Exhaustion
- Severe cases of VHF often show signs of bleeding under the skin, in internal organs, and from mouth, eyes or ears.
How Can VHF's Be Spread?
- Airborne - by inhaling virus from contaminated droplets in the air
- Ingestion - by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
- Contact -by direct contact with urine, feces, saliva or other body excretions from an infected person or animal, especially rodents
- Vectors- by bites from infected insects (mosquitoes, ticks, etc.)
How to Treat VHF
- While some antiviral drugs and immune boosters have been used to treat some forms of VHFs, generally there is no other treatment or established cure.
How Can VHF Be Prevented?
- Close physical contact with infected persons' or animals' body fluids or excretions such as saliva, urine, and fecal matter should be avoided.
- Precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes or ticks through use of insect repellant and proper clothing.
- Many VHF viruses are carried by rodents and some insects, therefore appropriate pest control is very important.
More information about VHFs, their cause, symptoms, treatment and prevention can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
