Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
high

Frequent in severe disease caused by dehydration. Early recognition by monitoring urine output and blood chemistries enables prompt action to be taken.

short term
medium

As a result of skin contact with droplets or the skin of an infected person.

short term
medium

Vomiting and diarrhoea may lead to dehydration, which should be treated with aggressive fluid replacement.

short term
medium

Bacterial infections of the necrotic tissue should be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics until the causative organism is known.

variable
low

Airway compromise may be observed in cases of significant airway oedema or haemorrhage. There is the possibility of asphyxiation because of laryngeal oedema and stenosis of the glottis. Other causes of death are bronchial pneumonia and lung bleeding.

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