How Do You Spell VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVER?
Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l hˌɛməɹˈad͡ʒɪk fˈiːvə] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪ͡əɹə͡l hˌɛməɹˈad͡ʒɪk fˈiːvə] (IPA)
Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) refers to a group of potentially life-threatening illnesses caused by several distinct families of viruses. VHF is characterized by a high fever and bleeding disorders, often accompanied by multiple organ failure. These infectious diseases can spread quickly among communities, causing outbreaks that can range from mild to severe, leading to high mortality rates.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers are typically transmitted to humans from animals, primarily through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or saliva. The viruses responsible for VHF are known to reside in various animal species, including rodents, primates, and arthropods. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through contact with infected blood or other secretions, presenting a significant danger in healthcare settings.
Symptoms of VHF usually manifest as a sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and general weakness, followed by hemorrhagic manifestations such as bleeding from the gums, nose, or internal organs. Patients may also experience respiratory distress, shock, and organ failure, leading to death in severe cases.
The most well-known viruses causing viral hemorrhagic fever include Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Rift Valley fever. Due to their potential for rapid spread and high fatality rates, viral hemorrhagic fevers pose considerable challenges for public health authorities and necessitate prompt and stringent control measures, including isolation and barrier precautions for affected individuals, contact tracing, as well as community education on prevention and hygiene practices.
