Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease caused by the CCHF virus. It is primarily transmitted to people from ticks and livestock animals. Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.

Epidemiology

CCHF is widespread in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asian countries south of the 50th parallel north - the geographical limit of the principal tick vector. The hosts of the CCHF virus include a wide range of wild and domestic animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.

Symptoms

Many people infected with CCHF virus do not become symptomatic. Those who do become ill, often experience sudden onset of symptoms including fever, muscle aches, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes and photophobia (sensitivity to light).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of CCHF is made using serological tests, which measure the levels of antibodies in the blood, or molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which detect the viral RNA in the blood or tissues.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for CCHF. Supportive care with treatment of symptoms improves survival. In severe cases, intensive care may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of CCHF infection requires active tick control measures, avoidance of tick bites, and proper handling of livestock.

See also

• Viral hemorrhagic fever
• Tick-borne disease
• Zoonosis