Viral hemorrhagic fevers are prevalent in Africa and rare in the United States. They are caused by four classes of viruses (Filoviruses, Arenaviruses, Bunyaviruses, and Flaviviruses). Humans are incidentally infected by the bite of an infected tick or mosquito, via aerosol generated from an infected rodent urine or feces, or by direct contact with infected animal carcasses. With the exception of Rift Valley fever and the diseases caused by Flaviviruses (Yellow fever, Omsk HF, and Kyasanur Forest Disease) which are not transmissible person-to-person, infected humans can spread the disease to close contacts by touching bodily fluids, which may result in community outbreaks and healthcare-associated infections.
Report suspect or confirmed cases IMMEDIATELY to the local health department by phone and follow up with written report.