Fiebre hemorrágica Crimea-Congo - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks or through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals.
- 2. The virus responsible for CCHF belongs to the Nairovirus genus and is part of the Bunyaviridae family. It was first identified in Crimea, Russia in 1944 and later in Congo in 1969.
- 3. CCHF is endemic in many countries in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia. It is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it primarily infects animals but can be transmitted to humans.
- 4. Symptoms of CCHF typically begin within 1-3 days of exposure to the virus and can include fever, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding from the mouth, nose, or other parts of the body.
- 5. Severe cases of CCHF can lead to hemorrhagic symptoms such as bruising, nosebleeds, and gastrointestinal bleeding. In some cases, the disease can progress to organ failure and death.
- 6. There is no specific treatment for CCHF, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes. Antiviral medications may be used in some cases, but their effectiveness is limited.
- 7. Prevention of CCHF involves avoiding contact with infected animals, using insect repellent to prevent tick bites, wearing protective clothing when handling animals or animal tissues, and practicing good hygiene.
- 8. Healthcare workers and laboratory staff are at increased risk of contracting CCHF due to their close contact with infected patients or samples. Proper infection control measures and personal protective equipment are essential to prevent transmission in healthcare settings.
- 9. There is currently no licensed vaccine available for CCHF, but several candidate vaccines are in development and being tested in clinical trials.
- 10. Due to its potential for severe illness and high mortality rate, CCHF is considered a significant public health threat in endemic regions. Surveillance, early detection, and rapid response are key strategies for controlling outbreaks and preventing further spread of the virus.