Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) in the family Bunyaviridae. The Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is found in Eastern Europe, particularly in the former Soviet Union, throughout the Mediterranean, in northwestern China, central Asia, southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.
Transmission
Although several tick genera are capable of becoming infected with CCHF virus, ticks of the genus Hyalomma are the principal vector.
The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately after slaughter. Animals become infected by the bite of infected ticks and the virus remains in their bloodstream for about one week after infection, allowing the tick-animal-tick cycle to continue when another tick bites.
Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
Incubation period: 5-13 days
Signs and Symptoms:
Sudden onset of
- Headache
- High fever
- Sore Throat
- Myalgia
- Abdominal Pain
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Red eyes, flushed face
- Red throat, red spots on palate
Diagnosis:
Detection of the virus or antigens in the blood.
Management:
Treatment for CCHF is primarily supportive, but the antiviral drug Ribavirin has been used to treat CCHF infection with apparent benefit.
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