Dengue and other hemorrhagic viral fevers

Few diseases generate such alarm among the general population and health professionals as viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). VHFs are acute infections with high associated mortality that are difficult to clinically diagnose and differentiate. Reliable laboratory diagnosis is required for proper patient support and to limit the risk of transmission and the development of secondary cases. Even today many factors related to origin, pathogenesis, treatment and control of these diseases remain uncertain.