Definition
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an infectious disease caused by a virus belonging to the Bunyaviridae family, called Nairovirus and responsible for serious epidemics in humans.
The main vector of the infection is the tick of the Hyalomma genus, present above all in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia. Instead, several wild and domestic animals, including cattle, sheep and goats, are the hosts of the virus.
In addition to the bite of the arthropod, the infection can also occur through contact with tissues of infected animals, during and immediately after slaughter. Furthermore, transmission is possible following contact with blood, secretions or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever correlates to a high mortality rate (10-40% of cases) and constitutes a threat due to epidemic potential and treatment difficulties.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Asthenia
- Burning eyes
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Mood disorders
- Abdominal pain
- Neck pain
- Muscle pains
- Bruising
- Hepatitis
- Hepatomegaly
- Temperature
- Fotofobia
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Backache
- Headache
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- petechiae
- Stiffness in the muscles of the back and neck
- Drowsiness
- Confusional state
- Tachycardia
- He retched
Further indications
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever occurs after a short incubation period (1-9 days after tick bite; 5-13 days following contact with blood or infected tissue).
In the initial phase, fever, myalgia, dizziness, pain and stiffness in the neck, back pain, headache, burning eyes and photophobia (light sensitivity) occur. Furthermore, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sore throat, mood swings and confusion can occur.
After about 2-4 days, drowsiness, depression and exhaustion appear. Abdominal pain can localize to the upper right quadrant with hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) and there is usually evidence of hepatitis.
Other symptoms of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever include tachycardia and enlarged lymph nodes. There are also bleeding phenomena in the skin (in the form of petechiae and ecchymoses) and mucous membranes in the mouth and throat (as an enantema, that is, with the appearance of small bright red spots).
In severe forms of illness, complications such as renal, hepatic or pulmonary insufficiency occur rapidly and suddenly after the fifth day of illness.
When it occurs, death occurs in the second week of illness. In patients who recover, conditions generally start to improve 9-10 days after the onset of the disease.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever can be diagnosed by ELISA, serum neutralization and RT-PCR. There is no specific antiviral treatment, but the patient is subjected to a therapy to alleviate symptoms and general support. In the management of the disease, the administration of ribavirin may be useful.
