13/11/2025
🩸 Approach to Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs): A Guide for Health Professionals
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are a group of severe illnesses caused by different families of viruses such as Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, Crimean-Congo, and Rift Valley fevers. These diseases are often zoonotic, highly contagious, and can lead to multi-organ failure and death if not promptly recognized and managed.
⚠️ 1. Early Suspicion and Case Recognition
Early detection saves lives—both patients’ and healthcare workers’.
Suspect VHF in any patient presenting with:
Acute onset of fever, malaise, myalgia, or headache
Rapid progression to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bleeding, or shock
Epidemiological risk: recent travel to an endemic area, contact with wild animals, or exposure to a confirmed/suspected VHF case.
🩺 Always think VHF in unexplained febrile illnesses with bleeding tendencies.
🧪 2. Immediate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Measures
Before diagnosis—protect yourself and others.
Isolate the patient immediately.
Use full PPE: gloves, gown, N95 mask, goggles/face shield, boots.
Strict hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
Limit staff contact—assign dedicated personnel.
Disinfect surfaces and safely handle patient waste and linens.
💡 Remember: The first line of defense is standard precautions for all patients, all the time.
🔬 3. Diagnostic Evaluation
Notify public health authorities immediately before collecting specimens.
Collect samples only under strict biosafety conditions—preferably by trained personnel.
Laboratory tests: PCR, ELISA (antigen or antibody), and virus isolation (in specialized labs).
Conduct routine supportive labs (CBC, liver and kidney function) if safe and necessary.
💉 4. Supportive Management
There’s no universal antiviral cure for VHFs, but early supportive care improves survival:
Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance (avoid overhydration).
Treat hypotension and shock aggressively.
Manage bleeding with blood products as available.
Provide oxygen and nutritional support.
Monitor for secondary infections and give antibiotics if indicated.
Some specific VHFs (like Lassa fever) may benefit from Ribavirin, if started early.
🧍♂️ 5. Contact Tracing and Surveillance
Identify and monitor all contacts of the patient for 21 days.
Temperature monitoring twice daily.
Immediate isolation if any contact develops symptoms.
Work closely with public health teams to contain outbreaks.
🌍 6. Prevention and Community Awareness
Educate communities about avoiding contact with animal reservoirs (e.g., bats, rodents).
Promote safe burial practices and discourage traditional touching of bodies.
Encourage early care-seeking and reporting of suspicious illnesses.
🏥 7. Health Worker Safety and Mental Health
Health professionals are at highest risk—strict adherence to IPC is non-negotiable.
Ensure post-exposure protocols and vaccination (where available).
Support staff with psychological counseling and adequate rest during outbreaks.
🧠 Key Takeaway
“High suspicion, early isolation, strict protection, and supportive care save lives.”
🩺 Let’s stay alert, stay protected, and stand together to stop VHFs.
