Biological Weapon - Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

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What It Is

The viral hemorrhagic fevers are a diverse group of human illnesses that are due to RNA viruses from several different viral families: the Filoviridae, which consists of Ebola and Marburg viruses; the Arenaviridae, including Lassa fever, Argentine and Bolivian hemorrhagic fever viruses; the
Bunyaviridae, including various members from the Hantavirus genus, Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever virus from the Nairovirus genus, and Rift Valley fever from the Phlebovirus genus; and Flaviviridae, such as Yellow fever virus, Dengue hemorrhagic fever virus, and others. The viruses may be spread in a variety of ways, and for some there is a possibility that humans could be infected through a respiratory portal of entry. Although evidence for weaponization does not exist for many of these viruses, many are included in this handbook because of their potential for aerosol dissemination or weaponization, or likelihood for confusion with similar agents which might be weaponized.

What It Does

VHFs are febrile illnesses which can be complicated by easy bleeding, petechiae, hypotension and even shock, flushing of the face and chest, and edema. Constitutional symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur in any of the hemorrhagic fevers.

Be Prepared

The only licensed VHF vaccine is yellow fever vaccine. Prophylactic ribavirin may be effective for Lassa fever, Rift Valley fever, CCHF, and possibly HFRS.

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