Bleeding syndromes occur when there is an abnormality in blood clotting. This can cause excessive bleeding or easy bruising even with minor injuries.

While some bleeding disorders are inherited, there are some that are contagious and can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood.

In this article, we’ll explore the different contagious bleeding syndromes, their symptoms, and treatment options.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS)

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a contagious viral infection that is transmitted primarily through the urine of infected rodents.

It is common in Asia and Europe, especially in rural areas, and affects around 150,000 people each year worldwide.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of HFRS include fatigue, fever, and muscle pain. This is followed by severe headache, lower-back pain, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, HFRS can cause bleeding from the nose and gums, or even into the skin and internal organs.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HFRS, but supportive care can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Ribavirin, an antiviral medication, has been used to treat HFRS but its effectiveness remains unclear.

Lassa Fever

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is endemic in West Africa. It is transmitted from infected rodents to humans through exposure to their urine or feces, or through the consumption of contaminated food.

Symptoms

Lassa fever symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In severe cases, Lassa fever can cause bleeding from the mouth, nose, and other orifices.

Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing Lassa fever. Antiviral medications such as ribavirin can be effective in treating the disease, especially if given early.

Supportive care such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions may also be needed in severe cases.

Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Congo hemorrhagic fever (CHF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever that is endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is transmitted through contact with infected animal blood and bodily fluids, such as through butchering infected animals or handling their carcasses.

Symptoms

CHF symptoms include fever, headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, patients may experience large areas of bleeding under the skin, as well as bleeding from the mouth, nose, and other orifices.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for CHF. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids and blood transfusions, is critical for managing symptoms. Ribavirin has been used in some cases but its effectiveness remains unclear.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a contagious viral disease that is transmitted by ticks found on infected animals such as sheep and cattle.

It is endemic in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, and affects around 1,000 people each year worldwide.

Symptoms

CCHF symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, CCHF can cause bleeding from the skin, nose, and other orifices.

Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing CCHF. Ribavirin has been used successfully in some cases of CCHF, especially if given early. Supportive care such as intravenous fluids and blood transfusions may also be needed in severe cases.

Ebola Virus Disease

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a contagious viral disease that is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals. It causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and can be fatal.

Symptoms

EVD symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. In severe cases, EVD can cause bleeding from the eyes, nose, and other orifices.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for EVD. Early diagnosis and supportive care such as intravenous fluids, pain relief, and blood transfusions are critical for managing symptoms.

Experimental treatments such as monoclonal antibodies and antiviral medications are being studied but their effectiveness remains unclear.

Prevention of Contagious Bleeding Syndromes

The best way to prevent contagious bleeding syndromes is to avoid exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals.

This can be done by practicing good hygiene such as washing hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and using protective equipment such as gloves and masks when handling potentially contaminated materials.

If you suspect that you may have been exposed to a contagious bleeding syndrome, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Contagious bleeding syndromes are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in managing symptoms and preventing complications.

By practicing good hygiene and avoiding exposure to infected bodily fluids, you can reduce your risk of contracting a contagious bleeding syndrome.