The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has compiled a list of 15 highly concerning infectious diseases known as high consequence infectious diseases (HCID). These diseases are characterized by their high fatality rates and the need for an organized response to effectively manage them, as their symptoms can be difficult to recognize. The purpose of this data is to allow healthcare professionals to assess the infection risk in different countries. Fortunately, this information is also available to the public online.
One of the diseases on the list is Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a tick-borne viral disease. Symptoms of CCHF include high fever, muscle pain, dizziness, sensitivity to light, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Later stages may involve mood swings, confusion, and aggression. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral drug for CCHF. However, a broad-spectrum antiviral called ribavirin can be given to patients to prevent severe illness. CCHF has been found in ticks in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Western Europe, and it has a mortality rate of up to 40% according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The plague, infamous for its devastating impact in Europe during the Middle Ages, still poses a threat in certain parts of the world. It can be found in areas of Africa, Asia, South America, and even the United States. The plague is usually transmitted through flea bites from rodents, but it can also spread through respiratory droplets in the case of pneumonic plague. Symptoms of the plague include swollen nodes, open sores, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Without treatment, between 30% and 100% of infected individuals may die. However, antibiotics are effective if the disease is diagnosed early. The WHO recommends vaccination only for individuals at high risk of exposure, such as lab and hospital workers.
Marburg virus, a member of the filovirus family, is closely related to Ebola. It was first discovered in 1967 during an outbreak in Marburg, Germany. Fruit bats are believed to be the natural hosts of the disease, causing sporadic outbreaks in Africa. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, surfaces, and materials. Symptoms include severe headaches, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Infected patients may exhibit ghost-like appearances with deep-set eyes and expressionless faces, accompanied by bleeding from multiple orifices. The mortality rate of Marburg virus is estimated to be up to 88%.
Junin virus, found in the central areas of the Pampas in Argentina, causes haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 30% for untreated patients. Symptoms include chills, headaches, and pain. The virus is naturally hosted by rodents, and human-to-human transmission is rare.
Andes virus, a hantavirus, is found in rodents in South America. It is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings but can also be passed through close human contact. Early symptoms resemble those of the flu, including headaches, fever, and muscle aches. The mortality rate is close to 50%.
Bird flu, specifically strains H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, and H5N8, is a concern among scientists as a potential trigger for the next pandemic. Avian influenza can spread to humans through contact with infected birds or their droppings, as well as through the preparation or consumption of infected poultry. While H5N1 does not easily transmit between humans, mutations in the virus could increase the risk. Symptoms of bird flu in humans include a high temperature, muscle aches, headache, and cough or shortness of breath.
Nipah virus is a type of henipavirus naturally harbored by fruit bats. It is usually transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, particularly pigs and bats, although human-to-human transmission is also possible. Outbreaks occur primarily in parts of Asia, such as Bangladesh and India. Symptoms such as fever, headache, and drowsiness may appear within five to 14 days of infection and can last up to two weeks. The virus has a mortality rate of up to 75%, and there are currently no proven treatments or vaccines.
Lassa fever, endemic in Nigeria and other countries on the west coast of Africa, is a viral illness with a case-fatality rate of around 1%. Symptoms initially include headaches, sore throat, and vomiting, which can progress to bleeding and severe complications if left untreated. Pregnant women infected with Lassa fever late in pregnancy face significant risks. The disease can be spread by rats or through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.
Ebola, a viral hemorrhagic fever discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976, is mainly transmitted through exposure to bodily fluids. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea. The virus naturally resides in fruit bats, monkeys, and porcupines in rainforests and can also be transmitted through consuming uncooked bushmeat. Ebola outbreaks are challenging to contain, especially in urban areas. The mortality rate of Ebola is around 50%.
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection commonly found in tropical areas of West and Central Africa. It is usually transmitted through direct contact with animals such as squirrels that carry the virus. Close contact with an infected person can also lead to transmission. Symptoms include a skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and fatigue. Most patients recover within a few weeks without treatment, but the disease can be fatal.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a severe respiratory illness similar to COVID-19. It caused an outbreak in Asia in 2003, infecting 8,000 people and resulting in nearly 800 deaths. SARS has a higher mortality rate than COVID-19, with approximately one in 10 infected individuals dying. The virus spreads through small droplets of saliva, similar to colds and influenza.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS), also known as camel flu, is a severe respiratory illness that primarily originates from camels in the Middle East. While rare, human-to-human transmission can occur through cough droplets. Its symptoms include fever, cough, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, and vomiting. There is no specific treatment for MERS, and approximately 35% of those infected die as a result.
Severe fever with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (SFTS) is caused by a tick-borne virus. While human-to-human transmission is possible, cases have primarily been identified in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The virus initially presents with flu-like symptoms, but it can quickly progress to more severe complications.
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