African haemorrhagic fever refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by several viruses belonging to the family Filoviridae and Arenaviridae. These viruses are primarily found in the African continent and are responsible for severe outbreaks with high mortality rates in humans and animals.
The most well-known viruses causing African haemorrhagic fevers include Ebola virus (Ebola haemorrhagic fever) and Lassa virus (Lassa fever). These viruses are transmitted to humans primarily through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats and rodents, or through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. Person-to-person transmission can also occur through close contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
Symptoms of African haemorrhagic fever typically start with a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe internal and external bleeding, leading to organ failure and often death. The severity of the illness varies depending on the specific virus involved.
Diagnosis of African haemorrhagic fever is challenging due to the nonspecific initial symptoms and the need for specialized laboratory testing. Treatment mainly consists of supportive care to manage symptoms and maintain vital functions. There are no specific antiviral drugs approved for the treatment of these infections, although several experimental treatments are being evaluated.
Prevention of African haemorrhagic fever involves implementing strict infection control measures, including personal protective equipment, proper handling and disposal of infected materials, and quarantine measures. Public health interventions such as surveillance, contact tracing, and community education are also crucial to limiting the spread of these deadly diseases.
