Hewson Roger
Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.
Virus Reference & Research (Special Pathogens), WHO-Collaborating Centre, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK.
Pathogens. 2024 Oct 18;13(10):909. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13100909.
Viral haemorrhagic fevers encompass a diverse group of severe, often life-threatening illnesses caused by viruses from multiple families, including , , , , and . Characterised by fever and haemorrhagic symptoms, these diseases challenge public health systems by overwhelming healthcare facilities, complicating diagnostic processes, and requiring extensive resources for containment and treatment, especially in resource-limited settings. This discussion explores the intricate relationships between VHFs and their transmission vectors-both animal and arthropod-and examines the impact of ecological and geographic factors on disease spread. The primary transmission of VHFs typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals or via bites from haematophagous arthropods, facilitating zoonotic and, at times, human-to-human transmission. With an emphasis on the role of diverse wildlife, domesticated animals, and vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks in the epidemiology of VHFs, there is a recognised need for robust surveillance and strategic public health responses to manage outbreaks. This review discusses the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate virology, ecology, and public health to enhance diagnostic capabilities, develop vaccines and antivirals, and improve outbreak interventions. Exploring the ecological and biological dynamics of VHFs will help bolster a deeper understanding of these emerging viruses and underpin preparation for future outbreaks. The importance of enhanced global cooperation, continuous research, and collaboration to mitigate the public health threats posed by these complex infections is a central theme, serving as a foundational strategy to reinforce worldwide preparedness and response efforts. Future directions include addressing gaps in vaccine development and tailoring public health strategies to the unique challenges of managing VHFs, such as the rapid mutation rates of viruses, the need for cold chain logistics for vaccine distribution, and socio-economic barriers to healthcare access, in order to ensure readiness for and effective response to emerging threats worldwide.
病毒性出血热包括一组由多个病毒家族引起的严重且通常危及生命的疾病，这些病毒家族包括[具体病毒家族名称未给出，此处用省略号代替]。这些疾病以发热和出血症状为特征，给公共卫生系统带来了挑战，因为它们使医疗设施不堪重负，使诊断过程复杂化，并且需要大量资源来控制和治疗，特别是在资源有限的环境中。本讨论探讨了病毒性出血热与其传播媒介（包括动物和节肢动物）之间的复杂关系，并研究了生态和地理因素对疾病传播的影响。病毒性出血热的主要传播通常通过与受感染动物的直接接触或通过吸血节肢动物的叮咬发生，促进了人畜共患病传播，有时还会发生人际传播。鉴于多种野生动物、家畜以及蚊子和蜱等媒介在病毒性出血热流行病学中的作用，人们认识到需要进行强有力的监测和采取战略性公共卫生应对措施来管理疫情爆发。本综述讨论了整合病毒学、生态学和公共卫生的跨学科方法的必要性，以提高诊断能力、开发疫苗和抗病毒药物，并改善疫情应对措施。探索病毒性出血热的生态和生物学动态将有助于加深对这些新兴病毒的理解，并为未来疫情爆发做好准备。加强全球合作、持续研究与协作以减轻这些复杂感染所带来的公共卫生威胁的重要性是一个核心主题，是加强全球防范和应对努力的基础战略。未来的方向包括弥补疫苗开发方面的差距，并根据管理病毒性出血热的独特挑战调整公共卫生战略，例如病毒的快速突变率、疫苗分发所需的冷链物流以及获得医疗保健的社会经济障碍，以确保对全球出现的威胁做好准备并做出有效应对。
