CCHF (Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever) is a tick-borne viral disease. It’s a type of viral hemorrhagic fever likewise Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. This deadly eye bleeding virus leads to very high mortality almost 30%. CCHF is rare but causes an array of unpleasant symptoms including fever, headache, severe bruising, eye bleeding, and uncontrolled bleeding from the nose.
The onset of the disease is ~10-15 days following exposure to the virus. Complications may include liver failure or multiorgan failure and recovery takes around 2 to 3 weeks after the onset of the disease.
This viral disease was first identified in Crimea in 1944, and later in 1969 was recognized in Congo, the most prevalent symptoms are high fever and bleeding hence the name Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Symptoms of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
The disease is caused by Nairovirus which lives within hard-bodied ticks. These ticks are often found on animals such as cattle, goats, hoarse, ships, and hares. If a person lives with these animals the risk of tick bite increases and the disease may spread to humans. It means that people who live with animals or spend time with such animals as listed above then the risk of exposure to ticks and transmission of the disease increases.
CCHF Symptoms
The symptoms of CCHF can hit very hard and fast those can mimic Dengue Fever Symptoms. Initial symptoms of CCHF (Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever) include:
- High-grade fever
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Joint Pain
- Stomachache
- Dizziness and Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sore Throat
- Sore Eyes
- Red Eyes
A large area of severe bruising develops. Some other symptoms are developed with the progression of the disease.
- Depression and mood swings
- Bleeding in Skin
- Extreme Tiredness
- Bleeding in Gums and Mouth
- Sleepiness
- Bleeding from nose
- Uncontrolled Bleeding
Other clinical signs include tachycardia (High heart rate), enlarged lymph nodes, bleeding under the skin (Petechial hemorrhage), bleeding on the internal mucosal surface, and hemorrhagic pneumonia.
According to WHO the mortality rate of CCHF is around 30% which is very high. It ranges from 10% to 40% and early diagnosis is the key factor to minimize the mortality risk.
Death occurs within two weeks of the disease or illness. Uncontrolled bleeding causes internal bleeding, respiratory failure, liver failure, kidney failure, or multiorgan failure which leads to death.
How Does CCHF Spread?
The Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever disease is spread by a tick bite. Infection can be spread with close contact with an infected person or contact with secretions, blood, or body fluids of an infected person or animal. People that are at high risk are farmers and people who live in close contact with animals.
The Nairovirus can also spread between people through body fluids or blood.
How To Diagnose CCHF
The diagnosis of the disease can be made by detecting of following:
- The Antibodies
- RNA of the virus
- Antigens of the Virus
Prevention of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
Prevention is the only option to control the spread of the disease. The following steps are helpful to contain and prevent diseases.
- De-ticking of Dometic or farm animals
- Use of Insect Repellents
- Adequate Clothing to avoid tick exposure
- Isolation Precautions
Treatment of CCHF
Supportive treatment and care are the only therapy. Antipyretics can be used for headaches and fever. Other symptomatic supportive treatments are also needed. Feverish patients with bleeding symptoms are required intensive care.
Ribavirin antiviral drug has shown some efficiency and has been used orally during outbreaks but there is uncertain evidence to support the uses of Ribavirin. (Do not use without your doctor’s advice)
No vaccine is available for the Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever disease virus. Since 1970, several vaccine trials have been done and terminated due to the high toxicity of the vaccine. In March 2011, a new vaccine claimed some efficiency against the CCHF virus but no publication in the scientific literature is available related to the claimed vaccine.
