In Iraq, eight people have died from hemorrhagic fever; be aware of the symptoms and effects.

 

In Iraq, eight people have died from hemorrhagic fever; be aware of the symptoms and effects.

Since the first case was discovered in Dhi Qar last month, some 40 instances of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) have been recorded across Iraq, with eight deaths, according to a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Health.

According to the ministry's spokesman, Sayf al-Badr, 23 infections and five fatalities have been recorded in Iraq's southern province of Dhi Qar, while the last fatality was reported early Friday in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk, according to Xinhua news agency.

VHFs (viral hemorrhagic fevers) are a set of illnesses caused by numerous different virus families that affect several organ systems in the body and impair their capacity to operate independently. Fever and hemorrhage, or bleeding, are common symptoms of VHFs, which vary depending on the condition.

Other early indications and symptoms of this illness include fatigue, disorientation, muscle, bone, or joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In more serious situations, there may be bleeding under the skin, in internal organs, or from the mouth, eyes, or ears; nervous system dysfunction; coma; delirium; renal failure; respiratory and liver failure; and other complications.

Consult a doctor if you have these signs and symptoms, particularly one who specialises in foreign medicine or infectious illnesses.

How can VHF viruses infect humans?

Viruses that cause viral hemorrhagic fevers have been found in a number of animal and insect hosts, the most frequent of which being mosquitoes, ticks, rodents, and bats.

These viruses can transmit to people when they come into touch with infected animals or insects, according to health experts (blood, saliva, semen, fasces or urine). Mosquito or tick bites can spread certain VHFs.

Then certain VHFs can be transmitted from person to person, primarily through direct contact or in healthcare institutions.

Depending on the kind of virus, symptoms might appear anywhere from two to 21 days after infection, according to Mayo Clinic.