Overview
Omsk hemorrhagic fever (OHF) is a rare viral infection caused by the Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus, which belongs to the flavivirus family — the same family that includes tick-borne encephalitis virus and dengue virus. The disease mainly affects people in western Siberia, Russia, particularly in the Omsk region, and is spread through tick bites (primarily from Dermacentor ticks) or through direct contact with infected muskrats or other small rodents. The illness typically begins with a sudden high fever, headache, and muscle pain. Within the first few days, patients may develop bleeding from the gums, nose, or other areas, along with a rash. Some people experience a two-wave pattern of illness, where symptoms improve briefly before returning. The disease can also affect the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. In severe cases, patients may develop dehydration, low blood pressure, and organ damage. There is no specific antiviral treatment for Omsk hemorrhagic fever. Care is supportive, meaning doctors focus on managing symptoms such as replacing lost fluids, controlling bleeding, and supporting organ function. The fatality rate is estimated at 0.5% to 3%, which is lower than many other hemorrhagic fevers. Most patients recover fully, though the recovery period can take several weeks. A vaccine was developed in Russia but is not widely available outside the region.
Key symptoms:
Sudden high feverSevere headacheMuscle and joint painBleeding from the gums or noseSkin rash or bruisingNausea and vomitingDiarrheaDehydrationSwollen lymph nodesLow blood pressureCough or breathing difficultiesFatigue and weaknessBlood in urine or stoolTwo-wave fever pattern with temporary improvement
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Omsk hemorrhagic fever.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Omsk hemorrhagic fever.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is my case, and do I need to be hospitalized?,What warning signs should I watch for that would require emergency care?,How long should I expect the illness and recovery to last?,Is there any risk of the disease coming back after I start feeling better?,Can I spread this infection to my family members, and what precautions should they take?,Are there any long-term effects I should be aware of?,Is there a vaccine available that my family or coworkers in the area should receive?
Common questions about Omsk hemorrhagic fever
What is Omsk hemorrhagic fever?
Omsk hemorrhagic fever (OHF) is a rare viral infection caused by the Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus, which belongs to the flavivirus family — the same family that includes tick-borne encephalitis virus and dengue virus. The disease mainly affects people in western Siberia, Russia, particularly in the Omsk region, and is spread through tick bites (primarily from Dermacentor ticks) or through direct contact with infected muskrats or other small rodents. The illness typically begins with a sudden high fever, headache, and muscle pain. Within the first few days, patients may develop bleeding from t
How is Omsk hemorrhagic fever inherited?
Omsk hemorrhagic fever follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Omsk hemorrhagic fever?
15 specialists and care centers treating Omsk hemorrhagic fever are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.