Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) refer to a group of illnesses that are caused by several distinct virus families. The term is used to describe a severe infection where multiple organ systems in the body are affected. Usually, the blood stream of the victim begins to hemorrhage (bleed from a ruptured blood vessel), and the body’s ability to regulate itself is impaired.

The viruses are transmitted to humans when humans have contact with urine, saliva, droppings or other body excretions of infected rodents, mosquitoes, ticks or people. In some cases, these viruses may transfer to livestock, making humans susceptible when they slaughter or care for the animals.