In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 EMAIL TO FRIEND     |      PRINTER FRIENDLY     |    
          advertisement

Hemorrhagic Fever

Also called: Viral Hemorrhagic Fever, VHF

- Summary
- About hemorrhagic fever
- Types and differences
- Risk factors and causes
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment and prevention
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Vikram Tarugu, M.D., AGA, ACG

Summary

Hemorrhagic fever refers to a number of viral diseases that are local, or endemic, to much of the tropics and subtropics. In addition to the bleeding and fever for which they are named, they affect multiple organ systems and cause a wide range of symptoms. Some progress slowly, while others are characterized by a sudden onset and quickly become life threatening. Examples of hemorrhagic fever include:

  • Yellow fever
  • Dengue hemorrhagic fever
  • Lassa fever
  • South American hemorrhagic fever
  • Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
  • Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever
  • Rift Valley fever
  • Ebola hemorrhagic fever
  • Marburg hemorrhagic fever

Each type of hemorrhagic fever is believed to be a zoonosis, or a disease passed from animals to humans. The vector and host animals and insects have been identified for most of the diseases and include mosquitoes, ticks and rodents (e.g., mice, rats, voles). The source or sources of the viruses responsible for Ebola and Marburg have yet to be identified.

Viral Infection & Replication

Disease outbreaks are often associated with the first exposure of humans to new populations of host animals. This may result from exploration or new development for agriculture or mining. These diseases are often highly contagious and may quickly spread through a household, community or hospital.

The greatest risk for becoming infected with hemorrhagic fever is living or visiting an area where these tropical diseases are endemic. Using an effective insect repellent and wearing light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts helps reduce the chance of exposure through insect or tick bites. Rodent droppings and urine are also possible sources of hemorrhagic fever viruses and care should be exercised during any activity that could cause them to become airborne.

There is no cure for hemorrhagic fever. Instead, patients receive supportive care to maintain the body’s functions. This typically includes intravenous (into a vein) fluids and treatment of secondary infections. Severe cases may also require treatment for shock and organ failure. Other treatment options vary with the many types of hemorrhagic fever and may include antiviral medication, plasma transfusion or vitamin K supplementation. Some of the viruses may run their course with little trouble beyond symptoms. Others affect major organs and eventually are fatal.

page 1 of 8 | Next Page




Review Date: 03-19-2007
Video
TODAY: First Lady's new cause
TODAY's Ann Curry talks to Laura Bush about the malaria epidemic in...
RSV
RSV puts three times more children in the hospital than the flu.
Robert Bazell Reports on the Pandemic Possibilities of Swine Flu
Robert Bazell (NBC Nightly News) reports on the liklihood that the...
Doctor's Answers to Common Swine Flu Questions
A physician answers the most common questions regarding the swine flu...
Swine Flu Facts
What are the differences between the different types of flus? Learn more here, as well as...
Swine Flu Is Spreading Across the Country
A rare type of swine flu has hospitals across Dallas county on high...

Advice from Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Helpful tips and information on weight loss

Get answers from an expert
advertisement
advertisement

YourTotalHealth      

Home  |  Health Centers  |  Health A-Z  |  Staying Healthy  |  Diet & Fitness  |  Woman & Family  |  Pregnancy  |  Community  |  

also on iVillage: Pregnancy & Parenting  |  Beauty & Style  |  Home & Garden  |  Food  |  Weddings  |  Love  |  Entertainment  |  NeverSayDiet

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Newsletters  |  Feedback

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.