By Shinar Ahmed and edited by Parwa Rasool
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family, usually transmitted by tick. The CCHF virus causes severe viral haemorrhagic fevers, with fatality rate of 10–40%.
Transmission
The CCHF virus is transmitted to people either by tick bites or through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or infected human through body fluids.
Symptoms
CCHF symptoms include headache, high fever, back pain, joint pain, stomach pain, and vomiting. Symptoms may also include jaundice, and in severe cases, changes in mood and sensory perception.
As the disease progresses large areas of severe bruising, severe nosebleeds, and uncontrolled internal bleeding result.
Who is at risk?
Animal herders, livestock workers, and slaughterhouse workers are at risk of CCHF. Healthcare workers in are at risk of infection through unprotected contact with infectious blood and body fluids.
Prevention
Wearing gloves and other protective clothing is recommended. Individuals should avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of livestock or humans who show symptoms of the disease. It is important for healthcare workers to use proper precautionary measures to prevent occupational exposure.