Viral hemorrhagic fever facts for kids

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of illnesses caused by different kinds of viruses. These diseases often make people feel very sick. They can cause a high fever and sometimes lead to bleeding problems.

These viruses live naturally in animals or insects. They can then spread to humans. VHFs are not usually spread easily from person to person. However, some types can spread through close contact.

What are Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers?

Viral hemorrhagic fevers are serious illnesses. They are caused by viruses that damage blood vessels. This damage can lead to bleeding inside the body or from openings like the nose or gums. The word "hemorrhagic" means related to bleeding.

There are many different types of VHFs. Each type is caused by a specific virus. Some well-known examples include Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fever. These diseases are found in different parts of the world.

How Do People Get VHFs?

People usually get VHFs from animals or insects. For example, some viruses are carried by rodents (like mice or rats). Others are carried by mosquitoes or ticks. When a person comes into contact with an infected animal or its waste, they can get sick.

Sometimes, a person can get a VHF from another sick person. This happens through contact with their blood or other body fluids. This is why healthcare workers need to be very careful when treating patients with VHFs.

What Are the Symptoms?

The first symptoms of VHFs often look like the flu. A person might have a high fever, feel tired, and have muscle aches. They might also have headaches and dizziness.

As the illness gets worse, more serious symptoms can appear. These might include:

• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Bruising easily
• Vomiting or diarrhea, sometimes with blood
• Skin rashes

The exact symptoms depend on the specific virus. Some VHFs are mild, while others can be very dangerous.

How Are VHFs Treated?

There is no specific cure for most viral hemorrhagic fevers. Doctors focus on supporting the patient's body. This is called supportive care. It helps the patient fight the virus.

Supportive care can include:

• Giving fluids to prevent dehydration
• Managing fever and pain
• Helping with breathing
• Giving blood transfusions if there is a lot of bleeding

Scientists are working on vaccines and antiviral medicines. These could help prevent or treat some VHFs in the future.

Preventing Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Preventing VHFs means avoiding contact with the animals or insects that carry the viruses. It also means stopping the spread from person to person.

Here are some ways to prevent VHFs:

• Control Pests: Keep homes free of rodents.
• Protect from Bites: Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to avoid mosquito and tick bites.
• Safe Practices: If working with animals, use protective gear.
• Hygiene: Wash hands often, especially after being outdoors or around animals.
• Care in Hospitals: Healthcare workers use special protective gear. This stops the virus from spreading in hospitals.

Some people in the past thought that viral hemorrhagic fevers might have been connected to the Black Death. However, most experts now agree that the Black Death was mainly caused by a different disease called the bubonic plague.

See also

In Spanish: Fiebre hemorrágica viral para niños