Viral haemorrhagic fevers imported into non-endemic countries: risk assessment and management.

Br Med Bull

Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK.

Published: January 2011

Background: Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are severe infections capable of causing haemorrhagic disease and fatal multi-organ failure. Crimean-Congo, Marburg, Ebola and Lassa viruses cause both sporadic cases and large epidemics over wide endemic areas.

Sources Of Data: Original articles and reviews identified by PubMed search and personal reading; European and United States national guidance and legislation. World Health Organization information, documents and reports. VHFs cause significant morbidity and mortality in their endemic areas; they can cause healthcare-related infections, and their broad diversity and range are increasingly recognized.

Areas Of Controversy: There is uncertainty about the risks presented by VHFs in non-endemic countries, particularly in healthcare environments. Consensus on the best modes of care and infection control are only slowly emerging.

Growing Points: With increasing commerce in rural and low-income areas, VHF outbreaks increasingly expand, causing social and economic damage.

Areas Timely For Developing Research: New ecologies, viral strains and clinical syndromes are being discovered. There is a great need for rapid diagnostic tests and effective antiviral treatments. Vaccine development programmes are challenged by multiple viral strains and the need for trials in rural communities.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldq022DOI Listing

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