Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is caused by infection with a tick-borne virus - a Nairovirus, one of the five families of the genera Bunyaviridae. It was first described in the Crimea in 1944. A similar disease was identified in the Congo in 1969, hence the current name Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. The disease is currently found throughout Eastern and Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever may infect a wide range of wild and domestic animals. Infection occurs through contact with infected blood. In humans infection typically occurs from handling infected animals or people or from tick bites, especially from ticks of the genus hyalomma.
Initial signs of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are flu-like symptoms such as headaches, stomach and back pain, fever and vomiting. In most cases signs of hemorrhage, such as bruising and nosebleeds, will appear within the first few days. Later symptoms can also include jaundice, mood changes and kidney failure. Recovery from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever generally begins on the ninth or tenth day after the onset of the disease. Recovery from the disease is slow and long-term effects have not been well studied. The mortality rate ranges averages at 30%, with death occurring in the second week after infection.
The primary treatment for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is supportive therapy. The antiviral drug Ribavin has been proven to be effective. Preventative measures for Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever include protective measures, such as applying insect repellent, wearing gloves and protective clothing and body inspection for ticks, for those who work with livestock and animals in infected areas. Healthcare workers are at risk of acquiring the disease from infected patients. Infected patients should be isolated and healthcare workers should take appropriate safety precautions to avoid infection.