Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are caused by a group of infectious viruses that damage the body's circulatory system, interfering with the blood's ability to clot. Bleeding occurs as a result of severe platelet dysfunction or thrombocytopenia. The group of viral agents that cause VHFs can affect multiple organ systems within the body. Hemorrhage and necrosis can occur in most organs, particularly the liver. Many of these viruses cause severe, life-threatening illnesses, while others are much less threatening.
Although the severity of the illness depends on the specific viral agent, cases of VHF may result in shock and subsequent death. Marburg and Ebola virus fevers are two of the most dangerous VHFs. This course will focus on the Ebola virus disease.
