13/11/2025
Hemorrhagic Fevers | overview for community education and prevention
Eight suspected cases of hemorrhagic fever have been reported in Jinka town, Ethiopia. The exact virus is still under laboratory investigation, but health authorities have intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and community awareness to prevent further spread.
As prevention is paramount, I took time to compile a detailed overview for community education and prevention in the affected area and beyond.
🧾 Definition
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are a group of severe illnesses caused by several families of viruses.
These infections are multi-systemic, disrupting vascular integrity, immune responses, and the function of vital organs.
Clinically, they are marked by high fever, a tendency to bleed due to vascular and coagulation abnormalities, and progressive multi-organ dysfunction, often leading to life-threatening complications1,2.
🩺 Clinical Presentation
• Early symptoms: sudden fever, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat.
• Progressive symptoms: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash.
• Severe signs: bleeding (nose, gums, gastrointestinal), low blood pressure, shock, organ failure.
• Note: Bleeding is not always present, but vascular damage is a hallmark1.
🔬 Diagnosis
• Clinical suspicion: based on symptoms, outbreak context, and exposure history.
• Laboratory tests (confirmation):
o PCR for viral RNA
o ELISA for viral antigens/antibodies
o Blood counts (low platelets, leukopenia)
o Liver and kidney function tests
• Differential diagnosis: always do not forget the common problems in the setting including malaria, typhoid, sepsis, dengue1.
🧪 Investigations
• Complete blood count: may show thrombocytopenia, leukopenia.
• Coagulation profile: prolonged clotting times.
• Biochemistry: elevated liver enzymes, renal impairment.
• Imaging: rarely needed, but may show organ involvement.
💊 Case Management:
• Supportive: as no universal cure; treatment is mainly supportive:
o Fluid and electrolyte replacement
o Oxygen therapy
o Blood transfusion if severe bleeding
o Treat secondary infections with antibiotics
• Specific antivirals: yet to be advised from the Ministry.
• Isolation and infection control: strict barrier nursing, PPE for health workers.
📈 Prognosis (outcome)
• Depends on the virus type: hence need early identification!
o Ebola/Marburg: high fatality (25–90%)
o Lassa fever: ~1% overall, higher in hospitalized cases
o Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: 10–40%
• Early supportive care improves survival.
🛡 Prevention Mechanisms
• At community-level:
o Report suspected cases immediately.
o Avoid contact with sick individuals or dead animals.
o Practice hand hygiene and safe burial practices.
• At health system level:
o Rapid response teams, contact tracing, quarantine.
o PPE for healthcare workers.
o Vector control (rodents, ticks, mosquitoes depending on virus).
• Public awareness creation:
o Educate on symptoms and when to seek care.
o Avoid bushmeat and unsafe animal handling.
o Safe food and water practices.
✅ Key takeaway for Jinka community: Hemorrhagic fevers are serious but preventable. Early recognition, immediate medical care, strict infection control, and community cooperation are essential to stop spread.
I used these as references:
1. WHO | Regional Office for Africa
2. WHO Africa – Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Overview
Finally, please use this community-friendly educational flyer:
Kedir Negesso Tukeni
MD, Internist and cardiologist
Jimma University Specialized Hospital
November 13, 2025
Jimma, Ethiopia
Dr. Anonymous
