ABSTRACT
Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are a broad group of viral illnesses that share similar clinical characteristics and pathophysiology. VHF is zoonotic and transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans by bites of infected ticks or mosquitoes, from infected bats and rodents. VHF is often severe and fatal, resulting in serious febrile illness, microvascular damage and increased vascular permeability. VHF should be suspected in any patients with unexplained bleeding from mucous membranes, skin, conjunctiva or gastro-intestinal tract, or any patient with a fever who has had contact with unexplained death, febrile illness or bleeding within three weeks. Regular training of healthcare workers to deal with a VHF outbreak is required. Patients should be immediately isolated in suspected, probable and confirmed areas. VHF is a major cause of concern and during an outbreak poses a hazard to healthcare staff. Healthcare staff must have access to sufficient personal protective equipment.
