Korean hemorrhagic fever

Korean Hemorrhagic Fever (KHF) Description

Korean hemorrhagic fever, also known as Hantavirus-induced hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness.

• Causes: KHF is caused by the Hantaan virus, which is carried by the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) [1].
• Symptoms: The symptoms of KHF include:
  • Headache
  • Back pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Flushing of the face
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Rash
  • Low blood pressure [5]
• Severity: KHF is fatal in 5 to 15 percent of cases [2].
• Characteristics: HFRS, which includes KHF, is a viral illness characterized by fever, hypotension, capillary leak, and acute renal failure [7].

Korean hemorrhagic fever is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention. If you suspect someone has contracted KHF, seek immediate medical help.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 2 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7

Korean hemorrhagic fever, also known as Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), presents with a range of symptoms that can be categorized into several phases.

Initial Symptoms The initial symptoms of HFRS begin suddenly and include:

• Intense headaches [1]
• Back and abdominal pain [8]
• Fever/chills [8]
• Nausea [4][8]
• Blurred vision [8]

These symptoms are often accompanied by a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, such as high-grade fever, myalgias, headache, backache, diarrhea, and vomiting [3][4].

Febrile Phase The febrile phase is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Relative bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) may also be present during this phase [7].

Other Symptoms In addition to the initial symptoms and febrile phase, patients with HFRS may also experience:

• Redness of cheeks and nose
• Sweaty palms
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

It's worth noting that the course of the illness can be split into five phases: febrile phase, diuretic phase, oliguric phase, recovery phase, and convalescence phase [2]. However, not all sources may categorize the phases in the same way.

References: [1] May 20, 2024 — Signs and symptoms​​ Initial symptoms begin suddenly and include intense headaches, back and abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and blurred ... [2] The course of the illness can be split into five phases: Febrile phase. Symptoms include redness of cheeks and nose, fever, chills, sweaty palms, diarrhea, ... [3] by MG Romero · 2022 · Cited by 11 — The patient usually presents with acute flu-like symptoms, such as high-grade fever, myalgias, headache, backache, diarrhea, and vomiting. [4] Initial onset is marked by non-specific flu-like symptoms: fever, myalgia, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. [7] Feb 18, 2023 — The febrile phase has a sudden onset, with high fever, headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Relative bradycardia is present ... [8] May 13, 2024 — Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) · intense headaches · back and abdominal pain · fever/chills · nausea · blurred vision.

Diagnostic Tests for Korean Hemorrhagic Fever (HFRS)

Korean hemorrhagic fever, also known as Hantavirus-induced Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), is a severe and sometimes deadly disease that affects the kidneys. Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of this condition.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of HFRS. These tests usually check for specific antibodies in the blood, such as IgM and IgG antibodies to Hantaviruses [4][9]. The IgM ELISA test is a rapid and sensitive method that detects IgM antibodies from single serum samples in the acute phase of the disease [5].

Serologic Diagnosis

Serologic diagnosis of HFRS is based on the demonstration of IgM antibodies to Hantaviruses by indirect fluorescent antibody technique or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [4][9]. This method is widely used and has been shown to be reliable in diagnosing HFRS.

PCR-based Diagnosis

Recent studies have demonstrated that PCR-based diagnosis targeting the L segment of hanta-viruses is a more reliable diagnostic method compared to serological tests [8].

Clinical Evaluation

In addition to laboratory tests, clinical evaluation plays an essential role in diagnosing HFRS. Symptoms such as fever, renal failure, and hemorrhaging are characteristic of this disease. A thorough medical history and physical examination can help identify patients who may have been exposed to the virus.

References:

[1] Jul 10, 2024 — Blood tests are used to confirm the diagnosis. [2] May 20, 2024 — HFRS is a severe and sometimes deadly disease that affects the kidneys. [3] by JW LeDuc · 1990 · Cited by 67 — These sera were tested for IgM- and IgG-specific antibodies to Hantaan virus by enzyme immunoassay and for hantaviral antigen by immunoassay; one serum from ... [4] by HW Lee · 1989 · Cited by 199 — Serologic diagnosis of HFRS is based on the demonstration of IgM antibodies to Hantaviruses by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique or enzyme-linked ... [5] May 20, 2024 — The IgM ELISA for antibody test of HFRS was expected to provide rapid and sensitive results by detecting IgM antibodies from single serum samples in the acute phase. [6] Nov 12, 2024 — Lab tests, most often using a blood sample, can confirm a diagnosis. [7] by JY Noh · Cited by 24 — Currently, a quick diagnostic kit that can concurrently test for three Korean-type febrile diseases in the fall, namely, scrub typhus, ... [8] by ME Park · 2024 — This study demonstrated that RT-nPCR targeting the L segment of hanta-viruses is a more reliable diagnostic method compared to serological tests. [9] by HW Lee · 1989 · Cited by 199 — Serologic diagnosis of HFRS is based on the demonstration of IgM antibodies to Hantaviruses by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique or enzyme

Treatment Options for Korean Hemorrhagic Fever

Korean hemorrhagic fever, also known as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), is a viral disease that can be severe and life-threatening. While there is no specific cure for the disease, various treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and prevent complications.

• Antiviral Medications: One of the most promising treatments for Korean hemorrhagic fever is antiviral medication, specifically ribavirin (Virazole). Studies have shown that early administration of intravenous ribavirin can decrease the severity and mortality of the disease [3][5].
• Supportive Care: In addition to antiviral medications, supportive care is essential in managing the symptoms of Korean hemorrhagic fever. This includes providing fluids, oxygen therapy, and monitoring vital signs to prevent complications [1].
• No FDA-Approved Treatment: It's worth noting that there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments for Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a related condition [6].

Key Points

• Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, may be effective in reducing the severity and mortality of Korean hemorrhagic fever if administered early.
• Supportive care is essential in managing symptoms and preventing complications.
• No FDA-approved treatments are available for Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).

References

[1] Jul 10, 2024 — What is the treatment for Korean hemorrhagic fever​​​? Supportive ... Some antiviral drugs may help in the early onset of HFRS. If you ...

[3] May 20, 2024 — If used early in the course of the disease, the antiviral ribavirin can be given intravenously to decrease illness and death from HFRS.

[5] by JM Rusnak · 2009 · Cited by 132 — Using intravenous ribavirin for treating HFRS patients with infections acquired in Korea, the low rate of oliguria (3%) and the absence of dialysis requirement ...

[6] Mar 1, 2023 — No Food and Drug Administration-approved antiviral drugs, vaccines, or immunotherapeutic agents are available for Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).

Differential Diagnosis of Korean Hemorrhagic Fever

Korean hemorrhagic fever (KHF), also known as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), is a severe and clinically similar illness that requires prompt diagnosis. The differential