The illness is characterised by the sudden onset of fever, malaise, headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and haemorrhage. The main VHFs of concern are Ebola, Lassa, Marburg and Crimean-Congo. These infections have been reported in Central, East and Western Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Northwest China and India. Treatment Antiviral drugs may be effective in some cases. Otherwise, only symptomatic treatment can be provided.
Quarantine measures The four VHFs listed above are quarantinable diseases in Australia.
Any person who is suspected or diagnosed with a VHF will be placed under quarantine and treated in an appropriately equipped medical facility. Action may be taken by public health authorities to identify any contacts of the infected person in order to limit the spread of the infection.