viral hemorrhagic fevers refer to a group of illnesses that are caused by several distinct families of viruses. in general the term "viral hemorrhagic fever" is used to describe a severe multisystem syndrome (multisystem in that multiple organ systems in the body are affected). characteristically the overall vascular system is damaged and the body's ability to regulate itself is impaired. these symptoms are often accompanied by hemorrhage (bleeding); however the bleeding is itself rarely life-threatening. while some types of hemorrhagic fever viruses can cause relatively mild illnesses many of these viruses cause severe life-threatening disease.
what are viral hemorrhagic fevers?