Omsk hemorrhagic fever

Omsk hemorrhagic fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a Flavivirus.^[1]

It is found in Siberia.^[2] It is named for an outbreak in Omsk.

Etiology

Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever is caused by the Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (OHFV), a member of the Flavivirus family. The virus was discovered by Mikhail Chumakov and his colleagues between 1945 and 1947 in Omsk, Russia. The infection is found in western Siberia, in places including Omsk, Novosibirsk, Kurgan, and Tyumen. The virus survives in water and is transferred to humans via contaminated water or an infected tick.

Evolution

The virus appears to have evolved within the last 1000 years.^[3] The viral genomes can be divided into 2 clades—A and B. Clade A has five genotypes and clade B has one. These clades separated about 700 years ago. This separation appears to have occurred in the Kurgan province. Clade A subsequently underwent division into clade C, D and E 230 years ago. Clade C and E appear to have originated in the Novosibirsk and Omsk Provinces respectively. The muskrat Ondatra zibethicus which is highly susceptible to this virus was introduced into this area in the 1930s.

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms of the virus. In the first 1–8 days the first phase begins. The symptoms in this phase are:

• chills
• headache
• pain in the lower and upper extremities and severe prostration
• a rash on the soft palate
• swollen glands in the neck
• appearance of blood in the eyes (conjunctival suffusion)
• dehydration
• hypotension
• gastrointestinal symptoms (symptoms relating to the stomach and intestines)
• patients may also experience effects on the central nervous system

In 1–2 weeks, some patients may recover, although others might not. They might experience a focal hemorrhage in mucosa of gingival, uterus, and lungs, a papulovesicular rash on the soft palate, cervical lymphadenopathy (it occurs in the neck which that enlarges the lymph glandular tissue), and occasional neurological involvement. If the patient still has OHF after 3 weeks, then a second wave of symptoms will occur. It also includes signs of encephalitis. If they recover from OHF they may experience hearing loss, hair loss, and behavioral or psychological difficulties associated with neurological conditions. If the sickness does not fade away, the patient will die.

Diagnosis

Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever could be diagnosed by isolating virus from blood, or by serologic testing using immunosorbent serological assay. OHF rating of fatality is 0.5–3%. There is no specific treatment for OHF so far but one way to help get rid of OHF is by supportive therapy. Supportive therapy helps maintain hydration and helps to provide precautions for patients with bleeding disorders.

Prevention

Preventing Omsk Hemorrhagic Fever consists of avoiding activity high in tick exposure. This puts persons engaged in camping, farming, forestry, and hunting (especially the Siberian muskrat) at great risk. Those spending time outdoors should wear protective clothing and use insect repellent for protection.

Spread

The main hosts of OHFV are rodents like the non-native muskrat. OHFV originates in ticks, who then transmit it to rodents by biting them. Humans become infected through tick bites or contact with a muskrat. Humans can also become infected through contact with blood, feces or urine of a dead or sick muskrat (or any type of rat). The virus can also spread through milk from infected goats or sheep. The infection is highly contagious.

References

External links

• http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/omsk.htm