مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري

Abstract :

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a disease with fever and bleeding that is caused by Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) from Nairovirus group in the Bunyavirideae family. CCHF is often transmitted by tick of genus Hyalomma attached to human. In addition, the disease can also be transmittted by tissue and secretions of the infected animals and blood and body fluids of patients in the viremic and acute period of illness. Tick of genus Hyalomma plays an important role in the epidemiology of the disease as a vector and reservoir. The disease was seen for the first time in 2002 in Tokat province of Turkey and around, diagnosed in 2003 and has been still encountered in a wide geographical area including Central and Eastern Anatolia Regions and north and south parts of the Black Sea region. According to Turkish Ministry of Health, death rate is approximately 5%. CCHF affects only humans and newborn mice. Incubation period is 2 to 9 days and this period varies depending on the amount of virus, the mode of acquisition of the virus, and the status of host immunity. Illness begins with sudden onset of headache, fever, myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Bleeding can emerge in the clinic of severely ill patients. Patients usually recover within two weeks without sequelae and chronicity is not observed. The mortality rate varies between 3 and 30%. Recovery from infection maintains lifelong immunity, probably due to the neutralizing IgG antibodies. No proven efficacious antiviral therapy is available for CCHF, the treatment is primarily supportive. Studies are present indicating that the administration of hyperimmunoglobulin might be very promising, especially in patients with high risk for mortality. The most important factors for the protection against disease are combating with ticks and avoiding contact with virus. Raising public awareness about prevention, especially in those living in endemic regions creates the most important step in the struggle with the disease.