Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

About Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

 

• It is a viral haemorrhagic fever usually transmitted by ticks.
• It can also be contracted through contact with viraemic animal tissues (animal tissue where the virus has entered the bloodstream) during and immediately post-slaughter of animals.
• The disease was first detected among soldiers in the Crimean Peninsula (near the Black Sea) in 1944.
• In 1969, it was found that an ailment identified in the Congo Basin was caused by the same pathogen. Thus, the disease was named the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
• Its outbreak constitute a threat to public health services as the virus can lead to epidemics, has a high case fatality ratio (10–40%).
• Transmission:
  • Animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and hares serve as amplifying hosts for the virus.
  • Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected ticks or animal blood.
  • It can be transmitted from one infected human to another by contact with infectious blood or body fluids”, such as sweat and saliva.
  • The ticks can also be hosted by migratory birds.

 

Symptoms of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

• Include fever, muscle ache, dizziness, neck pain, backache, headache, sore eyes and sensitivity to light.
• After 2–4 days the agitation may be replaced by sleepiness, depression and lassitude

 

Treatment of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

• There is no vaccine for the virus in either humans or animals, and treatment generally consists of managing symptoms.
• According to the WHO, “the antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat CCHF infection with apparent benefit.”

 

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Q1) What is the significance of the Crimean Peninsula?

The Crimean Peninsula is a landmass located on the northern coast of the Black Sea. It is connected to mainland Ukraine by the narrow Isthmus of Perekop. Historically, the Crimean Peninsula has been a region of strategic importance due to its geographical location and natural resources

Source: Climate change aiding spread of deadly virus in Europe: What is CCHF