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Hemorrhagic fever is a serious and life-threatening virus spread by insects or mammals to humans. Examples include Ebola, yellow fever, and Marburg. Most viruses causing hemorrhagic fever are localized, and there are few cures. Ebola is caused by direct contact with infected primates and has a 50% mortality rate. Some viruses can be contracted from contact with rodents, and there is concern about the potential use of hemorrhagic fever as bioweapons.
The term hemorrhagic fever is used to describe several serious and life-threatening viruses, usually spread by insects or mammals to humans. Some examples of hemorrhagic fever include Ebola virus, yellow fever, and Marburg virus. Most of the viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever are localized to a specific area. For example, Ebola virus and Marburg virus are both found primarily in certain parts of Africa.
All types of hemorrhagic fever are extremely serious diseases and carry high mortality rates. This is because the virus works quickly and effectively to shut down the body’s organs and cause mass bleeding or organ bleeding. The onset of symptoms are similar to the flu, with hemorrhagic fever causing fever, chills, and sore throat. Severe organ failure, particularly in the liver, is noted within a few days of the onset of symptoms.
Few forms of hemorrhagic fever have cures. Yellow fever vaccination is quite effective in preventing the disease caused by mosquito bites. Ebola and Marburg have no vaccinations and there is no standard treatment, other than hospitalization, isolation, fluids and antiviral drugs. Because hemorrhagic fever is caused by a viral rather than a bacterial infection, antibiotics cannot eliminate the virus. Even with treatment, Zaire-type Ebola virus has a 50% mortality rate.
Ebola, in particular, appears to be caused by direct contact with infected primates. Airborne transmission appears to be minimal. However, those who have consumed monkeys with the virus or have been around the carcasses of infected nonhuman primates are at greater risk of contracting it. Once the virus has entered the human body, the normal means of transmission to other people is through contact with a person’s bodily fluids, such as through sexual activity.
When outbreaks of Ebola or Marburg haemorrhagic fever occur in Africa, the first case can usually be linked to direct contact with an infected primate. One case occurred in Maryland in the United States. The woman infected with Ebola haemorrhagic fever was working with an infected primate and accidentally got stuck with a needle that had previously been used on the sick monkey.
Viruses that spread from animals to humans are called zoonoses. Some viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever can also be the result of contact with rodents. Hantavirus, which is found in the United States, primarily in the Southwest, is known to be contracted from contact with the feces and urine of dormice. Because this virus can be inhaled when cleaning feces, pest controllers should manage any home infestation. Eliminating the home rodent infestation significantly eliminates the risk.
Some are concerned that hemorrhagic fever like Ebola could be engineered for use in bioweapons. So far, there is no evidence that virus engineering has taken place or that any countries are in possession of weapons containing these viruses. Concern remains high, however, as the hemorrhagic fever mutation could cause easier transmission of these viruses and result in super strains that could kill millions.
