Viral haemorrhagic fevers

Lassa fever is an acute viral illness, transmitted to humans by rodents. It occurs in West Africa, mainly in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea. Primary transmission can be prevented by avoiding contact with Mastomys rodents, especially in regions where outbreaks occur.

Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses. They may cause severe diseases with potential risks of human-to-human transmission via body fluids or droplets. Eliminating or minimising contact with rodents is the best way to prevent infection.

Ebola and Marburg haemorrhagic fevers are rare diseases but have the potential to cause high death rates.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is an emerging pathogen in Europe. Outbreaks have a case fatality rate between 5% and 40%. There is no validated therapy and no safe vaccine.

Arenaviruses cause diseases with two types of clinical presentations: neurological and haemorrhagic fever. However, asymptomatic arenavirus infection may occur.

Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever is a viral haemorrhagic disease reported mainly in Saudi Arabia. Transmission is through tick bites and contact with infected blood.