17th June 2024

Viral haemorrhagic fevers

It is worth having a general appreciation of other viral haemorrhagic fevers. If a viral haemorrhagic fever is suspected in a returned traveller, an algorithm should be followed (see references). This considers the history of the febrile illness, the area travelled to, and any ill contacts or contacts with potential reservoirs of infection. A thorough history is necessary, as evidenced by Barr et al. (2013), where the source of infection was identified using wedding photographs.

The antiviral ribavirin may be of benefit in some viral haemorrhagic fevers, however the mainstay of treatment for viral haemorrhagic fevers is generally supportive care. It is important to note that Lassa, Ebola, and Marburg, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fevers are all capable of person to person spread. Rift Valley haemorrhagic fever is generally spread via virulent livestock. Yellow fever (which is vaccine-preventable) and dengue are both arboviruses.