Tick and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever are serious threats that can be encountered in nature. Since CCHF is a disease that spreads rapidly and can be fatal, it is vital to prevent contact with ticks and take protective measures. Individuals living or working in rural areas need to be aware of tick control and CCHF to protect themselves and their loved ones.
What is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever?
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a serious and often fatal disease caused by a virus of the Nairovirus genus. The virus was first identified in Crimea in 1944 and was later named after its occurrence in Congo. CCHF is common, especially among animals and ticks, but can also cause serious outbreaks in humans.
How is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever transmitted?
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic (transmitted from animals to humans) disease. The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. CCHF can be transmitted through:
- Tick bite
- Direct contact with infected animals
- Contact with a person who has CCHF
- Contact with infected blood and blood products
How many days does it take for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever to appear?
After the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus enters the body through a tick bite or contact with an infected person or animal, symptoms may appear in 2 to 14 days. The most common incubation period is 3-7 days, but in some cases the incubation period can be as short as 2 days or as long as 14 days.
How is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever diagnosed?
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is diagnosed using a combination of clinical findings, epidemiological information, and laboratory tests. The symptoms of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever are particularly important for diagnosis. The symptoms of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever are as follows:
- Sudden onset fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bruising)
In addition, the patient’s residence or travel to an area where he/she may be infected with the CCHF virus, a history of tick bites, and contact with people with CCHF are also taken into consideration when diagnosing this disease. Blood tests, ELISA, and PCR tests are performed to diagnose CCHF. CCHF is usually diagnosed using a combination of clinical findings, epidemiological information, and laboratory tests. In some cases, more than one test may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
How is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever treated?
Early diagnosis and rapid intervention are vital in the treatment of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general health. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce the mortality rate of CCHF. In untreated CCHF cases, the mortality rate can be as high as 30-50%. The treatment methods used for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever are as follows:
- Fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Blood transfusion in case of bleeding (if necessary)
- Antiviral drugs
- Supportive treatments to control other symptoms
Where is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever seen in Turkey?
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a disease that can be seen in many regions in Turkey. The most common regions of this disease are:
- Black Sea region: It is frequently seen especially in the provinces of Rize, Artvin, Trabzon, Giresun and Ordu.
- Eastern Anatolia Region: It is frequently seen especially in the provinces of Erzurum, Kars, Van, Bitlis and Ağrı.
- The Mediterranean region: It is frequently seen especially in the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Mersin and Hatay.
- Central Anatolia Region: It is especially frequently seen in the provinces of Sivas, Kayseri and Konya.