Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of viral infections that can cause uncontrolled bleeding. They spread in many ways, including through insect bites and contact with body fluids of infected people or animals.

The viruses in this group range in severity. Many of them cause mild illness. But all of them can damage your blood vessels and interfere with your blood’s ability to clot, leading to life-threatening complications.

Types of viral hemorrhagic fevers

Viral illnesses that can cause hemorrhagic fevers include:

• Ebola virus disease (EVD).
• Marburg virus disease (MVD).
• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
• Dengue fever.
• Lassa fever.
• Yellow fever.
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).

Where are viral hemorrhagic fevers found?

Different VHFs spread in different parts of the world. Most are found in parts of:

• Africa (mostly West and Central Africa, plus Uganda).
• Central and South America.
• Asia.
• The Pacific Islands.

Only hantaviruses cause VHFs in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Hantaviruses are a subtype of bunyavirus. Various types cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (in the Americas) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (in Europe).