Viral hemorrhagic fevers

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors

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Definition

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are caused by viruses from four distinct families and range in severity from relatively mild to life-threatening. Most viral hemorrhagic fevers are rare in the United States. When they do occur, they're often found in people who've recently traveled internationally.

Although all begin with fever and muscle aches, some viral hemorrhagic fevers progress to more serious problems, including severe internal and external bleeding (hemorrhage), widespread tissue death (necrosis), and shock.

No current treatment can cure viral hemorrhagic fevers. Immunizations exist for only two of the many viral hemorrhagic fevers. Until additional vaccines are developed, the best approach is prevention.

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Symptoms