ABSTRACT
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) in the family Bunyaviridae, causing severe and often fatal haemorrhagic fever in humans. CCHF is pervasive, now found in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. CCHF spreads to humans either by tick bites or by contact with blood and tissues from infected animals or humans. CCHF outbreaks constitute a threat to public health services because of its epidemic potential, its high case fatality ratio (10-40%), and its potential for nosocomial outbreaks and its quandaries in treatment and prevention. It is characterized by sudden onset with initial sign symptoms including fever, chills, agitations, myalgia, headaches, vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia, ecchymosis, melena, haematuria, nose bleeding, vaginal bleeding, bradycardia, thrombocytopenia. It is diagnosed by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay, ELISA test, antigen detection tests. Overall supportive therapy is the mainstay of patient management in CCHF. Seriously ill patients require intensive care. Ribavirin for the treatment of CCHF cases it is most effective, if administered very soon after the onset of clinical signs (e.g., during the first 48 hours). Prevention should be taken which reduce risk of tick to human transmission and human to human transmission.
ABSTRACT
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a disease affecting domestic livestock and wild animals which can spread to humans. It is caused by infection with a tick- borne virus (Nairovirus) in the family Bunyaviridae or by contacting with infected tissues or from animal blood. CCHF cases were recorded from published data from 2013 to 2018 in different geographic regions of Pakistan. The intensity and risk factors were also determined from all four provinces of Pakistan. A total of 391 cases of CCHF have been reported from all over Pakistan during period of 2013-2018. Majority of them were recorded at the time of Eid-ul-Adha. CCHF cases were identified predominantly in Baluchistan (n=12), Karachi (n=5), Bahawalpur (n=2), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (n=1). The prevalence of disease were different in different areas of Pakistan (Fata 1%, Islamabad 5%, Punjab 21%, Sindh 8%, KPK 14% and Baluchistan 39%). The political disturbances faced by the Pakistan have increased Pakistan's susceptibility because large number of refugees have migrated to Pakistan from Afghanistan which is an endemic country. Most of the immigrants and their cattles from Afghanistan settled in Khyber, Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan provinces which ultimately cause higher prevalence of CCHF in these arears. Currently there is no complete cure or commercially available vaccine of CCHF available in Pakistan. Mostly Ribavirin antiviral drug is used to treat CCHF. The disease can be controlled by implementing preventive measures like avoiding contact with blood of the suspected animal and tick bites.
ABSTRACT
Ticks are distributed worldwide and can harbour and transmit a range of pathogenic microorganisms that affect livestock and humans. Most tick-borne diseases are caused by tick-borne viruses. Two major tick-borne virus zoonotic diseases, Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) and Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), are notifiable in India and are associated with high mortality rates. KFD virus was first identified in 1957 in Karnataka state; the tick Haemaphysalis spinigera is the main vector. During 2012–2013, cases were reported from previously unaffected areas in Karnataka, and newer areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. These reports may be the result of improved active surveillance or may reflect altered virus transmission because of environmental change. CCHF is distributed in Asia, Africa and some part of Europe; Hyalomma spp. ticks are the main vectors. The existence of CCHF in India was first confirmed in 2011 in Gujarat state. In 2013, a non-nosocomial CCHF outbreak in Amreli district, as well as positive tick, animal and human samples in various areas of Gujarat state, suggested that the virus is widespread in Gujarat state, India. The emergence of KFD and CCHF in various Indian states emphasizes the need for nationwide surveillance among animals and humans. There is a need for improved diagnostic facilities, more containment laboratories, better public awareness, and implementation of thorough tick control in affected areas during epidemics.
ABSTRACT
Coxiella burnetii is the bacterium that causes Q fever. Human infection is mainly transmitted from cattle, goats and sheep. The disease is usually self-limited. Pneumonia and hepatitis are the most common clinical manifestations. In this study, we present a case of Q fever from the western part of Turkey mimicking Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in terms of clinical and laboratory findings.