From Marburg to Dengue: The world's 10 most dangerous viruses

The Marburg virus, named after a serene town in Germany, is a deadly haemorrhagic fever virus with a staggering fatality rate of 90 per cent. Its symptoms include convulsions and severe bleeding from mucous membranes and organs.

Marburg virus

Among the five strains of Ebola virus, the Zaire strain is the most lethal, with a mortality rate of 90 per cent. Currently spreading through West Africa, particularly Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, this strain is believed to have been introduced to urban areas by flying foxes.

Ebola

Originating from the Korean War in 1950, the Hantavirus causes lung disease, fever, and kidney failure. It's named after a river where American soldiers were initially thought to have contracted the virus.

Hantavirus

Bird flu strains like H5N1 has a mortality rate of 70 per cent, primarily transmitted through direct contact with poultry. This is why the majority of cases occur in regions such as Asia, where humans interact frequently with chickens.

Bird flu

The Lassa virus, spread by rodents, is endemic in Western Africa and causes severe symptoms such as fever and organ damage.

Lassa virus

The Junin virus, which is associated with Argentine haemorrhagic fever, causes tissue inflammation, sepsis, and skin bleeding. Its symptoms are frequently mistaken for common illnesses, making early detection difficult.

Junin virus

Crimea-Congo fever, like Ebola and Marburg, is spread by ticks and causes initial symptoms such as pin-sized bleedings in the face, mouth, and throat.

Crimea-Congo fever

Linked to Bolivian haemorrhagic fever, the Machupo virus leads to high fever and extensive bleeding. It can be transmitted from human to human and is commonly carried by rodents.

Machupo virus

KFD was discovered in India in 1955 and is transmitted by ticks, though the carriers are difficult to identify. The symptoms include a high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, and bleeding.

Kyasanur Forest Virus (KFD)

Dengue fever, which is spread by mosquitoes, is a constant threat in tropical regions, affecting millions of people each year. While it is a concern for tourists, it is a more serious issue for residents of endemic countries such as Thailand and India.

Dengue fever

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