Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever: requires vigilance and not panic

Abstract

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been in the news with reports of its outbreak in India from Gujarat. CCHF is caused by a virus which is a member of the Nairovirus genus of the family Bunyaviridae. All of these viruses are transmitted by either ixodid or argasid ticks. Humans get this infection after a bite of an infected tick or from one infected human to another by contact with infectious blood or body fluids. Workers in livestock and agriculture industry, slaughterhouses, and veterinary practice are most prone to this infection. In severe cases after 3-6 days of the onset of symptoms hemorrhagic manifestations occur. IgG and IgM antibodies may be detected in serum by ELISA from about the sixth day of the illness. The mainstay of treatment in CCHF is supportive. Management of DIC, sepsis, shock and MODS should be undertaken. The antiviral drug Ribavirin has shown benefits. Benefits of treatment with ribavirin outweigh the fatal risks, and ribavirin may therefore be recommended. People at risk should use effective personal protective measures against tick bites. Acaricide treatment of livestock in CCHF virus endemic areas is effective in reducing the population of infected ticks.