Have you heard of viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs)? Let's talk about this dangerous condition!

Have you ever thought that when you have a fever, you can also bleed from different parts of your body? Perhaps you have heard of dengue fever. Dengue also belongs to a group of viral fevers that can cause bleeding. This is what we medically call `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)` or `(VHFs)` . Since these can be a bit dangerous, let's talk about this in detail and simply today.

What exactly are ``Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers''?

Simply put, `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)` is a group of viral infections. When these viruses enter our bodies, they damage our blood vessels. This then interferes with our blood clotting, which means it stops bleeding when it starts. Think of it like a leak in a water pipe, and blood starts leaking from our blood vessels. Sometimes it starts out as something minor, but if not treated properly, it can become serious enough to be life-threatening. However, not all `(VHF)` are equally serious. Some of them only cause symptoms similar to the common cold. But some are very dangerous.

What are these types of `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)`?

There are several diseases that fall into this category called ``Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers''. You may have heard of some of them.

• Dengue fever: This is a disease that is often talked about in our country and affects many people. It is transmitted by mosquitoes.
• Ebola virus disease (EVD): You may have heard that this is very dangerous. It is most common in African countries.
• Marburg virus disease (MVD): This is as severe as Ebola and is most common in Africa.
• Lassa fever: This is also seen in the African region.
• Yellow fever: There is also a vaccine for this. It is most common in Africa and South America.
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF): This is a tick-borne disease that is found in parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome: This is transmitted by animals such as rats. It is most commonly reported in the Americas.

There are several more like this. Not all of them spread in the same way, nor are they all as severe.

Where are these `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)` most common?

These `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)` are not seen in the same way everywhere in the world. Each type of `(VHF)` is spread in different parts of the world.

• Africa: Diseases such as Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever, and yellow fever are common, especially in West and Central Africa, and in countries like Uganda.
• Central and South America: There are diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever, and hantavirus.
• Asia: Dengue fever is the main disease in our region, but it is also reported in some countries, such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
• Pacific Islands: Diseases like dengue can be seen.

However, in countries like the United States, Canada, and Europe, the main types of VHFs are caused by Hantaviruses. These Hantaviruses are a subfamily of the Bunyavirus family of viruses. These viruses cause a condition called Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the United States and a hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Europe.

So, if you are traveling to a country where these diseases are prevalent, it is very important to be aware of them and take the necessary safety measures.

What are the symptoms of `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)`?

The symptoms of these ``(VHFs)`` can vary from case to case. However, in the early stages, you can often see some common symptoms, just like a normal viral flu.

• Fever: The main symptom is a sudden onset of fever.
• Body aches: Feeling like your whole body hurts. Muscles and joints can hurt.
• Dizziness: Feeling like your head is spinning, sometimes to the point where you can't even stand up.
• Fatigue: Feeling so tired that you can't do anything.
• Headache: A severe headache may occur.
• Skin rash: Red or other types of rashes or spots may appear on the body.

These are the first signs to appear. However, if the disease becomes severe, the condition can become very serious. Then symptoms such as:

• Bleeding from the nose, eyes, gums, or vagina.
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea: Vomiting and diarrhea may sometimes be accompanied by blood.
• Vomiting blood.
• Diarrhea with blood.
• Severe pain in the chest, neck, or stomach.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Extremely low blood pressure .
• Seizures .
• Coma .

If any of these severe symptoms appear, immediate hospitalization is essential, as this can be life-threatening.

What causes these `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)`?

Doctors still don't fully understand how the hemorrhagic fever virus causes such severe bleeding. But it is thought that the virus damages our blood vessels (blood vessels) . Then, blood begins to leak, or "leak," from those blood vessels.

Moreover, these viruses interfere with our blood clotting process . Normally, when we get injured somewhere and bleed, the blood clots after a while and stops? That is what these viruses interfere with. Then, even a small wound cannot stop the bleeding. Bleeding can start inside the body in the same way. Imagine, this is like not being able to turn off a water tap.

It is when these two reasons come together that severe bleeding occurs and the situation becomes dangerous.

What types of viruses cause `(VHF)`?

There are several types of viruses that can cause these `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)`. We can mainly talk about four groups:

• Arenaviruses: This group of viruses causes diseases like Lassa fever.
• Filoviruses: These viruses cause dangerous diseases like Ebola and Marburg.
• Bunyaviruses: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and hantavirus diseases belong to this group.
• Flaviviruses: This group of viruses causes diseases like dengue fever and yellow fever.

But one thing to remember. Not all viruses in these virus groups cause hemorrhagic conditions (bleeding conditions). For example, you may have heard of the `(Zika)` virus. It also belongs to the `(Flavivirus)` group. However, the `(Zika)` virus does not cause bleeding by damaging blood vessels like the `(VHFs)`.

How are these `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)` transmitted?

The viruses that cause hemorrhagic fever are transmitted in different ways. Not all of them are transmitted in the same way. Let's look at the main ways in which they are transmitted:

• Mosquito bites: This is how diseases like dengue and yellow fever are spread. That's why we always say to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and keep the environment clean.
• Tick ​​bites: Diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are transmitted by ticks.
• By contact with bodily fluids of an infected person: That is, when something like the blood, urine, feces, saliva, breast milk, semen, or vaginal secretions of an infected person enters the body of a healthy person. Diseases like Ebola can be spread this way.
• Contact with bodily fluids of an infected animal: Some ``(VHFs)`` can be transmitted from animals such as rats, monkeys, cattle, and fruit bats. They are transmitted through the feces, urine, and saliva of those animals. Examples include Hantavirus and Lassa fever.

Therefore, to protect yourself from these diseases, it is very important to be aware of these transmission methods.

Who is at higher risk of developing `(VHFs)`?

The risk of contracting this hemorrhagic fever virus (VHF) varies depending on the type of virus. But in general, the risk is slightly higher for the following people:

• For those who live in or travel to countries where VHF is prevalent: For example, someone traveling to some parts of Africa may be at risk of a disease like Ebola.
• People who come into contact with animals that carry viruses (VHF): People who work in environments where animals such as rats and bats live, or who keep these animals as pets (in some countries), are at risk.
• Those who treat or care for patients infected with `(VHF)`: Healthcare workers are particularly at risk. That is why they use special protective clothing `(Personal Protective Equipment - PPE).`

Another special thing is that if pregnant women develop certain ``(VHFs)'', they are at a much higher risk of developing serious illnesses and complications.

What are the possible complications of `(VHFs)`?

These ``(VHFs)`` are not a toy disease. If not treated properly, they can lead to serious complications that can even be life-threatening.

• Miscarriage, low birth weight, or premature birth: This risk is especially high if a pregnant mother develops VHF.
• Swelling (Edema): Various parts of the body, especially the lungs, can swell.
• Shock: A condition in which blood pressure drops too low and the body's organs are not receiving enough blood. This is very dangerous.
• Internal bleeding: Bleeding that begins inside the body in an invisible way. This is also life-threatening.

It is because of such severe complications that it is important to treat these diseases as soon as possible.

How to recognize `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)`?

If you have symptoms of (VHF), especially if you have traveled to an area where the disease is common, a doctor may suspect it upon seeing you. But symptoms alone cannot tell you exactly what the disease is.

So, doctors will test samples of your bodily fluids to see if there are any signs of the virus. This may include tests like:

• Blood tests: This is the most important test. It can check for many things, such as whether there is a virus in the blood, whether there are blood clotting problems, and whether the liver or kidneys have been affected.
• Throat swab: Testing a sample taken from the throat.
• Urinalysis: A urine sample is examined.
• Lumbar puncture / spinal tap: This is rarely done, only if there is a suspicion of brain or spinal cord involvement.

Doctors make accurate diagnoses based on the results of these tests.

How are `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)` treated?

Unfortunately, there is still no definitive cure for most `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers)`. That is, there is no cure for all `(VHF)` that completely destroys the virus.

However, there are antiviral treatments for some VHFs. For example, Ribavirin is given for Lassa fever and some other VHFs. There are monoclonal antibody treatments such as Inmazeb® and Ebanga™ that have been approved for Ebola.

Most of the time, healthcare providers will focus on managing your symptoms and keeping your body stable. This may involve using treatments such as:

• Supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation: If there is difficulty breathing.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids: If the body is dehydrated or if blood pressure is low, things like saline are given.
• Medications to control symptoms: Medications are given for things like fever, pain, and nausea.

The most important thing is to seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear and, if necessary, to be hospitalized. The sooner treatment is started, the less complications can be reduced.

Can `(VHFs)` be prevented?

Yes, there are actually several things we can do to protect ourselves from `(VHFs)`. They say 'prevention is better than cure'.

• Getting vaccinated: There are vaccines for several diseases, including yellow fever, dengue, and Ebola. However, these vaccines are not given to everyone in every country. They are given based on the risk in that country or the area you are traveling to. Before you travel to an area with a risk of VHF, ask your doctor or public health official if you need to get any vaccinations.
• Avoid insect bites: Protect yourself, especially from mosquitoes and ticks.
• Wear clothing that covers your body, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
• Use mosquito nets, especially when sleeping at night.
• Use bug spray to repel mosquitoes and ticks.
• Avoid direct contact with rats, bats, and other animals that can carry (VHF). Also be careful when cleaning up areas where these animals have left their feces.
• Avoid direct contact with human blood and body fluids. If you are caring for someone who you think may be infected with a hemorrhagic fever virus, be sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, aprons, and masks). This is important, both for your own safety and to prevent the spread of the disease to others.

Since dengue is prevalent in our country, it is very important for all of us to contribute to mosquito control. By eliminating stagnant water around homes and using mosquito repellents, we can protect ourselves from not only dengue but also a host of other mosquito-borne diseases.

What happens if I get `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fever)`?

If you have a ``(VHF)'' and your symptoms are severe, your doctor will likely keep you in the hospital to treat you. This is to control your symptoms and treat any complications that may arise quickly.

Sometimes, you may be separated from other patients and placed in a special unit (isolation unit) to prevent the virus from spreading to others. This is for your safety and the safety of others. There is nothing to worry about, it is a normal procedure.

Can hemorrhagic fever be cured?

Yes, absolutely. Mild forms of hemorrhagic fever can be cured. For example, diseases like Lassa fever, dengue fever, and yellow fever often cause mild symptoms. However, severe cases of these diseases can be fatal. That's why it's important to get treatment early.

However, some types of hemorrhagic fevers, such as Marburg and Ebola , are often fatal. This means that if you get those diseases, you are more likely to die.

What is the mortality rate of hemorrhagic fever?

The mortality rate of hemorrhagic fever varies depending on the virus. That is, not all VHFs are equally deadly.

• For example, Marburg and Ebola are the deadliest hemorrhagic fevers. These diseases have an average fatality rate of over 40%, meaning that more than four out of ten people who contract them will die.
• However, diseases like Lassa fever or dengue fever only kill about 1% of people. That is, about one in every hundred people who contract it.

These statistics show how dangerous some `(VHFs)` are, while others are relatively less deadly. However, any `(VHF)` should not be taken lightly.

When should I seek medical advice?

If you live in an area where VHF is common, or have recently traveled to such an area, or if you have other risk factors (e.g., work with animals), see a doctor immediately if you develop symptoms.

The doctor will tell you how you should take care of yourself and whether you need any further treatment. It could be a normal fever, but it's important to know for sure if it's (VHF).

When should I go to the Emergency Department (ETU) ?

If you have any of these severe symptoms , go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. When you go, tell the staff that you suspect you may have `(VHF)`.

• Severe pain in the chest, neck, or stomach.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (especially if there is blood).
• Seizures .
• Confusion ( slurred speech, feeling unconscious).

Symptoms like these indicate a serious condition. So the best thing to do is to go to a hospital as soon as possible without wasting time.

What should I ask my doctor?

If you suspect you have (VHF) or have been diagnosed with it, it may be helpful to ask your doctor questions like these:

• How can I prevent the spread of the virus? (What should I do to avoid infecting others?)
• What treatment options do I have?
• How should I take care of myself? (What should I do at home, what should I eat/not eat, etc.)
• How long will it take for me to recover?
• What new or worsening symptoms should I watch for?
• When should I come see you again? (For follow-up)

In addition to these questions, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about any doubts or fears you may have. They are there to help you.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you now have a good understanding of the `(Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers - VHFs)` we talked about today. These are really serious conditions that need to be taken care of, and can sometimes be very dangerous. However, the most severe of these are very rare.

The most important thing is awareness and safety.

If you are at risk of developing (VHF) because of your job, hobbies, or the places you travel, talk to your doctor to find out how you can protect yourself. He or she can advise you on whether there are vaccines, other precautions, and what to do if symptoms develop.

In our country, dengue fever is the most common disease in the ``(VHF)`` category. So, it is very important that we all work together to protect ourselves from mosquitoes. By keeping our gardens and surroundings clean, we can protect ourselves from many such diseases.

Don't be afraid, but always be careful! Taking care of your health is the most important thing.

` Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, VHFs, Dengue, Ebola, Symptoms, Prevention