Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Afr Health Sci. 2020 Sep;20(3):1153-1163. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v20i3.17.
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) refers to a group of febrile illnesses caused by different viruses that result in high mortality in animals and humans. Many risk factors like increased human-animal interactions, climate change, increased mobility of people and limited diagnostic facility have contributed to the rapid spread of VHF.
The history of VHFs in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula has been documented since the 19 century, in which many outbreaks have been reported from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Despite presence of regional network of experts and technical organizations, which expedite support and respond during outbreaks, there are some more challenges that need to be addressed immediately. Gaps in funding, exhaustive and inclusive response plans and improved surveillance systems are some areas of concern in the region which can be dealt productively. This review primarily focusses on the hemorrhagic fevers that are caused by three most common viruses namely, the Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus, Rift valley fever virus, and Dengue fever virus.
In summary, effective vector control, health education, possible use of vaccine and concerted synchronized efforts between different government organizations and private research institutions will help in planning effective outbreak-prevention and response strategies in future.
病毒性出血热（VHF）是一组由不同病毒引起的发热性疾病，在动物和人类中导致高死亡率。许多风险因素，如增加的人与动物的互动、气候变化、人员流动性增加和有限的诊断设施，导致了 VHF 的迅速传播。
自 19 世纪以来，沙特阿拉伯半岛的 VHF 历史就有记录，其中许多疫情都发生在沙特阿拉伯西南部地区。尽管存在区域专家和技术组织网络，以在疫情爆发时加快支持和响应，但仍有一些更需要立即解决的挑战。资金缺口、详尽和全面的应对计划以及改进的监测系统是该地区关注的一些领域，可以富有成效地加以处理。本综述主要集中在由三种最常见病毒引起的出血热，即阿尔克米亚出血热病毒、裂谷热病毒和登革热病毒。
总之，有效的病媒控制、健康教育、疫苗的可能使用以及不同政府组织和私营研究机构之间的协调一致的同步努力，将有助于规划未来有效的疫情预防和应对策略。
