Hemorrhagic fever is caused by-
**Core Concept**
Hemorrhagic fevers are a group of viral illnesses characterized by fever, bleeding, and organ damage. They are caused by viruses from the families Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae, and Flaviviridae.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Lassa fever, which is caused by the Lassa virus, a member of the Arenaviridae family. Lassa fever is a common cause of hemorrhagic fever in West Africa, and it is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with the urine or feces of infected rodents. The virus infects macrophages and endothelial cells, leading to inflammation and damage to these tissues, which can cause bleeding and organ failure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Ebola is a correct answer for hemorrhagic fever, but it's not the only one in this case. Ebola is caused by the Ebola virus, a member of the Filoviridae family, and it is characterized by severe bleeding and organ failure.
**Option B:** Marburg is another correct answer for hemorrhagic fever, but it's not the only one in this case. Marburg is caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the Filoviridae family, and it is similar to Ebola in its symptoms and transmission.
**Option C:** Yellow fever is not a hemorrhagic fever, although it is a viral illness that can cause bleeding. Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family, and it is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
**Option D:** Dengue fever is not a hemorrhagic fever, although it is a viral illness that can cause bleeding. Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family, and it is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Hemorrhagic fevers are often characterized by a high fever, bleeding, and organ failure, and they can be transmitted through contact with infected animals or humans.
**Correct Answer:** Lassa fever