Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-2 – Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVER (VHF) – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) What are viral hemorrhagic fevers? The viruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fevers are common in Africa and in South

America but very rare in the United States. Is VHF spread from person-to-person?

VHF are commonly spread from person to person by contact with infected blood and other infected body fluids such as urine, feces, vomitus, and droplets coughed into the air by the infected person. How soon will symptoms develop (incubation period)? Normally the symptoms start 5 days or longer after exposure to the virus. Not all persons exposed to the virus will develop symptoms. What are the symptoms of infection? The symptoms of VHF generally include high fever, sore muscles and extreme weakness. The eyes may become red and the skin may appear to be red (flushed). In the advanced stages of the infection there may be bleeding from the nose, mouth, bowel or bladder. How is the infection treated?

There is no medication available to treat VHF infection. What should I do if I DO NOT have symptoms?

If you do not have any symptoms of the infection, you should continue with your routine daily activities. Please do not go to the hospital emergency room unless you have a fever or other symptoms of the infection. How can I get more information? The local health department will make frequent public announcements. It is important that you listen to the radio or tele vision for more information.

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