Tackling the World's Deadliest Viral Fevers

Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a formidable group of diseases caused by RNA viruses, known for their high fatality rates and potential to cause epidemics. Due to these threats and limited treatment options, the World Health Organisation has prioritised them as a significant global health concern.

Scientists have made important strides against some of these pathogens. The antiviral drug ribavirin has shown clinical efficacy against Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and Lassa fever. For Ebola and Marburg virus disease, targeted therapies using monoclonal antibodies—lab-made proteins that mimic the body’s immune response—have proven effective.

However, significant gaps remain, with no approved antivirals or vaccines for many VHFs. Developing new treatments is fraught with challenges, including ethical concerns around randomised trials during outbreaks and logistical barriers in remote, endemic areas. Experts believe that expanding international collaboration and further exploring the potential of monoclonal antibodies are critical for improving patient outcomes.