Hidoc Bulletin

The world has gone through several events of attack of dreadful viruses, among which treatment approaches have been developed for some viruses and others are still under research. Due to the varying characteristics of viruses and the mutating nature of them makes it challenging for the researchers to develop novel ways of treatment. In this article, a discussion on six dangerous viruses are done.

MARBURG VIRUS

Marburg virus breakout occurred in 1967 with the characteristic of hemorrhagic fever with headache, sore throat, myalgia, arthralgia, epigastric pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Green monkeys and bats are the expectant carriers. It has a huge mortality rate due to the occurrence of bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract and skin, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multiorgan failure.

EBOLA VIRUS

During 2014–2016 an outbreak of Ebola virus occurred with a huge number of mortalities. It is expected that the fruit bats are the carriers and it transmits the infection to other animals, such as primates, which can further spread to the human population. Direct contact with infected blood and body fluids of infected humans can also transmit the virus. Symptoms include sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and other fatalities. Due to lack of treatment approaches supportive care (rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids) and symptomatic treatments are usually done.

HANTAVIRUSES

In 1993, an outbreak of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome was observed with acute respiratory failure. It can spread through the secretions of deer, mice or rodent’s bite. Fatigue, fever, and muscle aches are some of the early symptoms which can later lead to coughing and shortness of breath. As there is no such treatment, symptoms are treated along with oxygen therapy for severe respiratory illness.

JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS VIRUS

The virus causes epidemic viral encephalitis and is prevalent in several countries across Asia. It spreads through infected Culex mosquitoes living in Asian rice fields. Symptoms include fever, neck rigidity, altered consciousness, headache, tremors, incoordination, and convulsions. It can cause serious neurological sequelae among the survivors. An inactivated vaccine is recommended to those at high risk of exposure.

LASSA FEVER VIRUS

It is a virus that causes hemorrhagic fever and multiorgan failure with high mortality rates, and was discovered in 1969 in Lassa, The virus is transmitted by exposure to the infected urine of the rodents. It can also spread through inhalation of infected rodent secretions during cleaning activities such as sweeping. Recommending ribavirin at the earliest can cure the disease, otherwise using hyperimmune serum of the survivors can be beneficial.

RABIES

Another deadly virus which can cause thousands of deaths which is spread through dog bite and is prevalent in more than 150 countries and territories. It can cause fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord if it progresses to the CNS. Furious rabies causes hyperactivity along with other psychological issues leading to death and paralytic rabies gradually makes the patient paralyzed followed by coma and death. Anti Rabies shots are the potential cure when taken immediately after the bite.