Causes and risk factors
As the name suggest the hemorrhagic fever is caused by several group of virus’s namely-Filoviridae, Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Flaviviradae. The viruses have host or vector in the animals or anthropods, the infection spreads by food, flies, fomite, feceas and fingers. The important factor for spread of infection is contaminated food and water. The organism’s gains entry by ingestion or inhalation. After entering the stomach or lungs they travel through blood and reach Lymph nodes, gall bladder, liver, spleens and other parts of the body. They damage the blood vessels and cause a tendency to bleed. A weak immune system contributes to the risk factor. Hemorrhagic fevers can be endemic or become epidemic or pandemic (Like Ebola)
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms vary as per the type of viral infection. However certain common features seen are fever, fatigue, malaise, dizziness and weakness. In severe cases bleeding from various orifices or under the skin or internal bleeding is seen. Although not fatal, severe illness can lead to organ failure or multiple organ failure (MOF), dehydration, shock, seizures, it can affect the kidney function and can even lead to coma .Commonest are the dengue fever and presently Ebola.
Investigations:
The diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patients and physical examination carried by the doctor. Certain sets of investigations can also be advised which will aid in the confirmation of the disease. Blood and stool cultures are diagnostic tests. Specific antigen antibodies tests are done. The other tests include the complete blood count, urine routine and liver enzymes. In severe cases an X-ray of chest and USG of abdomen are suggested.
Treatment:
Rest is important part of treatment. Diet should consist of adequate liquids like milk, fruit juices. Electrolyte balances is to be maintained .Antiviral medications are started. Good antibiotics have got down the rate of mortality by treating complications. Depending upon the symptoms severity hospitalization and intravenous fluid administration is initiated.
In severe cases intensive support care is required. Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is an essential step which should be implemented. Treatment of water, disposal of waste and protecting the food supply from contamination are important health measures.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
Recent update:
Virologists and immunologists have found a major clue to the mystery of “hemorrhagic fever” syndromes. Scripps Research Institute team showed that Interferon Type I immune proteins are key drivers of a viral syndrome.
