Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne illness endemic to Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, southern Europe, the northwestern region of China, Africa, India, and the Middle East. CCHF is a virus that causes haemorrhagic fever, an illness that affects multiple organ systems and may cause severe internal bleeding. The mortality rate is 40%. CCHF is spread from ticks to humans and from ticks to animals. Humans can become infected by exposure to other infected human beings or via exposure to infected animal blood. The disease was first identified in Crimea and later in the Congo, giving CCHF its name. Emerging research indicates that it’s highly possible that CCHF will expand beyond current endemic areas to southern and western parts of Europe in the coming years.
After infection, the disease incubates for an average of 3 days before a sudden onset of symptoms.
These include:
Not every person who contracts CCHF will experience the severity of symptoms listed above, but the potential for multiple organ systems to be compromised is exactly what makes this such a life-threatening illness.
CCHF is caused by the bite of an infected tick. Transmission of CCHF to humans is not always directly the result of a tick bite. Many humans who are infected with CCHF work in the agricultural industry and are exposed to infected animal blood in slaughterhouses. People that work in healthcare settings where CCHF is endemic are also at a higher risk of catching the disease by coming in contact with an infected person’s blood.
Risk factors include working in the agricultural industry, working in healthcare in an endemic area, and international travel to a region where CCHF is endemic.
A doctor will take a blood sample if CCHF is suspected. Living in a region where CCHF is endemic or having travelled to a region where it’s endemic recently, working in agriculture, and working in healthcare, in addition to presenting with the symptoms of CCHF, will prompt a physician to run tests for CCHF.
There are no apparent complications with CCHF. The disease has not been studied enough to determine if CCHF is directly responsible for future healthcare complications for survivors.
Treatment of CCHF is typically supportive. Physicians strive to ensure that the patient is given the best chance to survive as possible. Fluid therapy, electrolyte therapy, supportive oxygen, and treatment of any infections that arise allow patients to have the best chance for recovery.
There is one drug that CCHF responds to in a controlled environment called ribavirin. Its’ use seems to have benefitted some patients with CCHF, although there is not enough research into the use of ribavirin in CCHF to determine if it is an effective treatment.
Preventative measures can be taken to stop the spread of CCHF. Those that work with animals can wear insect repellent, gloves, and clothing to cover their skin. Additionally, avoiding contact with the blood or bodily fluids of animals or infected humans is important. Healthcare workers should follow infection control measures to avoid exposure at work.
There has not been a vaccine developed that is safe for human use.