Viral hemorrhagic fevers is a term used to describe a group of illnesses caused by four different families of viruses that severely affect multiple body systems. Some of the more commonly known types of viral hemorrhagic fevers include Ebola virus, Lassa fever, Hantavirus, Tick-borne encephalitis, and Rift Valley fever. Viral hemorrhagic fevers are carried by insects, rats, and mice and are limited to specific geographical areas in which the insects and animals live, such as West Africa (Lassa fever). While humans can be infected by contact with an infected insect or animal, these viruses can also be transmitted from one human to another and are highly contagious.

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While certain types of viral hemorrhagic fevers may cause only mild illness, many of these can cause severe, life-threatening symptoms, and even death. Symptoms may also include muscle aches, extreme fatigue, and high fever. An infected person’s vascular system is often damaged, while the body loses ability to regulate. Vascular damage causes hemorrhage (bleeding).

Most viral hemorrhagic diseases have no treatment. However, the antiviral drug, ribavirin, may help to shorten the course of illness, and, in some cases, may even prevent infection. Patients are mainly treated with supportive care, which includes prevention of dehydration. Some patients may need kidney dialysis in the event of kidney failure.

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