ABSTRACT
The term “viral hemorrhagic fever” (VHF) is used to describe the spectrum of disease caused by members of four different families of enveloped RNA viruses (Bray, 2005). Currently, there are over 20 members in this group (Table 8.1). However, novel agents continue to be described, and additional viruses capable of causing VHF will likely be discovered. The illness is an acute systemic disease characterized by fever, malaise and prostration, and, depending on the agent and the severity of disease, generalized signs of increased vascular permeability and coagulation abnormalities (Jahrling et al., 2007).
