Ethiopia records 8 cases of viral haemorrhagic fever - WHO

In a statement on Thursday, November 13, the WHO indicated that health authorities in Ethiopia are conducting laboratory testing at the Public Health Institute to determine the exact cause of the disease. 

According to the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the term viral haemorrhagic fever refers to a condition where multiple organ systems are affected, the overall cardiovascular system is damaged, and the body's ability to function is reduced. 

The haemorrhagic fevers are a group of epidemic-prone diseases caused by several distinct families of viruses. They include Marburg and Ebola virus diseases, Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever and Lassa fever. 

The viral disease exhibits specific signs and symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, loss of strength and exhaustion. 

WHO revealed that the Ethiopian government has ramped up investigations after the eight cases were reported in the South region. 

To curb its transmission, the agency deployed a team of responders to deliver medical supplies and assist in the ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the infection and halt further transmission. 

"WHO is also providing essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers and infection-prevention supplies, as well as a rapidly deployable isolation tent to bolster clinical care and management capacity. Additional technical capacity is being mobilised to support the overall response," the statement read in part. 

The agency also released Ksh.38 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to provide immediate support to the national authorities.   

WHO cautioned all who exhibit similar symptoms of the fever to report the matter to the health authorities.