Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (pronunciation: vahy-ruhl hem-uh-rij-ik fee-verz) are a group of illnesses that are caused by several distinct families of viruses. In general, the term "viral hemorrhagic fever" is used to describe a severe multisystem syndrome (multisystem in that multiple organ systems in the body are affected).
Etymology
The term "viral hemorrhagic fevers" is derived from the characteristic symptom of these diseases, which include fever and bleeding disorders. The word "viral" is derived from "virus", which comes from the Latin word "virus" meaning poison or venom. "Hemorrhagic" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning blood and "rhegnumai" meaning to break forth; it refers to the bleeding and blood vessel damage that these viruses cause. "Fever" is derived from the Latin word "febris" meaning fever, reflecting the symptom of elevated body temperature.
Types of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Viral hemorrhagic fevers are caused by viruses from four families: Arenaviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Flaviviridae. Each of these families share a number of features:
- They are all RNA viruses, and all are covered, or enveloped, in a fatty (lipid) coating.
- Their survival is dependent on an animal or insect host, called the natural reservoir.
- The viruses are geographically restricted to the areas where their host species live.
- Humans are not the natural reservoir for any of these viruses. Humans are infected when they come into contact with infected hosts. However, with some viruses, after the accidental transmission from the host, humans can transmit the virus to one another.
Symptoms
Viral hemorrhagic fevers begin with fever and muscle aches. Other symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, loss of strength, and exhaustion. Patients with severe cases of VHF often show signs of bleeding under the skin, in internal organs, or from body orifices like the mouth, eyes, or ears. However, although they may bleed from many sites around the body, patients rarely die because of blood loss.
Treatment
While there are no specific treatments for VHFs, there are supportive therapies available. This includes balancing the patient's fluids and electrolytes, maintaining their oxygen status and blood pressure, and treating them for any complicating infections.
Prevention
Prevention of VHFs involves avoiding contact with infected animals, particularly rodents and monkeys, in areas where outbreaks have occurred. Vaccines have been developed for some types of VHFs, but not all.
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