Print DiagnosisDiagnosing specific viral hemorrhagic fevers in the first few days of illness can be difficult because the early signs and symptoms — high fever, muscle aches, headaches and extreme fatigue — are common to many other diseases. To help with diagnosis, tell your doctor about your medical and travel history and your exposure to rodents or mosquitoes. Include the countries you visited and the dates, as well as any contact you might have had with possible infection sources. Lab tests, usually using a blood sample, are needed to confirm a diagnosis. Because viral hemorrhagic fevers are particularly infectious and contagious, these tests are usually performed in specially designated labs using strict precautions. TreatmentThere's no cure for viral hemorrhagic fevers. Vaccinations exist for only a few types. The best approach is prevention. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. MedicationsWhile no specific treatment exists for most viral hemorrhagic fevers, the antiviral drug ribavirin (Rebetol, Virazole) might shorten the course of some infections and prevent complications in some people. Other medications are being developed. TherapySupportive care is essential. To prevent dehydration, you might need fluids to help maintain your balance of electrolytes — minerals that are critical to nerve and muscle function. Surgical and other proceduresSome people might benefit from kidney dialysis, which removes wastes from your blood when your kidneys fail. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Symptoms & causes Feb. 24, 2021 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Viral hemorrhagic fever. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Viral hemorrhagic fevers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/index.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2021. Parillo JE, ed. Specific infections with critical care implications. In: Critical Care Medicine: Principles of Diagnosis and Management in the Adult.7th ed. Elsevier, 2019. https://www.criticalkey.com. Accessed Jan 4, 2021. Kiiza P, et al. Treatment of Ebola-related critical illness. Intensive Care Medicine. 2020; doi:10.1007/s00134-020-05949-z. Murdoch D. Diseases potentially acquired by travel to Central Africa. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 4, 2021. Hemorrhagic fevers. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/ith/diseases/haemorrhagicfevers/en/. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. Clean up! Clean up rodent food sources and nesting sites. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/prevent_infestations/clean_up.html. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. Avoid bug bites. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. Chertow DS, et al. Treatment and prevention of Ebola virus disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 6, 2021. Related Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Viral hemorrhagic feversSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20155783 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Viral hemorrhagic fevers