Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, CCHF, Causes and Prevention

What is CCHF Disease?

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus usually known as ‘Congo Fever’ causes viral hemorrhagic fever epidemics. Although, CCHF is widespread in Africa, the Balkans, Middle East, and Asia but random cases of Congo fever are being reported from all over the world.

Causes of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

CCHF virus spreads from animals to humans. (Photo source www.thenews.com.pk)

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever caused by a tick borne virus (Norovirus) of Bunyaviridae family. CCHF virus causes severe viral hemorrhagic fever with fatality rate of 10 – 40% virus transmitted to people by tick bites clinging to skin of humans and livestock animals. The spread of virus from person to person rises due to close contact with infected person’s blood, secretions, body parts and other fluids. As Congo virus mostly spread from animals to humans, so people remain in close contact with animals are on potential risk of Congo disease.

Prevention of Congo Virus

Presently no appropriate vaccine is available for either humans or animals in almost all countries of the world. But not to be worried and got fear as it has no serious threat. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take precautions to avoid any serious outcome. Following measures must be taken at all level to minimize spreading of Congo virus:-

Don’t keep livestock animals at home or domestic areas where risk of tick bite increases.

Children should be kept away from animals.

Avoid touching body parts with those animals which are the origins of Congo virus such as cows, goats, and sheep etc.

Animals should be slaughtered in specific places e.g. slaughterer houses.

The persons working in slaughterer houses must use gloves and goggles to avoid body contact with animal’s blood.

Arrange disposal of offal and skins of slaughtered animals properly and immediately to avoid Congo disease.