Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF), such as Ebola, cause blood to:

Prepare for the EMT Special Populations Exam. Use flashcards and delve into multiple-choice questions. Get detailed hints and explanations for each question to ensure you're exam-ready!

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF), such as Ebola, are characterized by severe and often lethal symptoms, including bleeding. The hallmark of VHF is the disruption of the vascular system, which can lead to a unique set of complications. In these infections, the viruses can damage the endothelial cells that line blood vessels, resulting in increased permeability. This increased permeability allows blood and fluids to seep out of the blood vessels and into surrounding tissues, leading to significant bleeding both inside the body and from mucosal surfaces, such as the mouth and nose.

This process is often associated with a decrease in clotting factors and a failure of the coagulation system, which further exacerbates bleeding. Patients suffering from VHF may exhibit widespread hemorrhage due to the interplay of virus-induced endothelial damage and the resulting impact on blood vessel integrity, leading to blood seeping into tissues rather than excessive clotting. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary pathological feature of viral hemorrhagic fevers as it relates to the abnormal bleeding processes observed in affected individuals.

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