Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

• Disease: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the CCHF virus.
• Virus Family: The virus belongs to the Nairoviridae family and Orthonairovirus genus.
• Transmission: Primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Hyalomma ticks.
• Animal–Human Transmission: Humans can also become infected through contact with the blood or tissues of infected livestock, especially during or immediately after slaughter.
• Human-to-Human Transmission: It can spread through contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
• Symptoms: Sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, backache, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Severe Cases: May lead to bleeding, liver failure, kidney failure and multi-organ failure.
• Geographical Distribution: CCHF occurs in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and southeastern Europe.
• Diagnosis: Laboratory diagnosis may involve RT-PCR, antigen detection, ELISA and antibody detection.
• Treatment: There is no widely available specific vaccine. Treatment is mainly supportive; ribavirin has been used, although evidence regarding its effectiveness remains uncertain.
• Prevention: Includes tick control, protective clothing, safe handling/slaughtering of livestock and infection-control measures in healthcare settings.
• Important Distinction: CCHF is a viral disease, not a bacterial disease; therefore, antibiotics do not treat the virus.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), consider the following statements:

1. It is caused by a virus belonging to the Nairoviridae family.
2. Hyalomma ticks are important vectors of the disease.
3. The disease can spread through contact with blood or tissues of infected livestock.
4. It is primarily a bacterial disease and can be treated with antibiotics.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 — Correct: CCHF is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the CCHF virus, which belongs to the Nairoviridae family.
• Statement 2 — Correct: Hyalomma ticks are the principal vectors responsible for transmitting the virus to humans.
• Statement 3 — Correct: Humans can acquire infection through contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals, particularly livestock.
• Statement 4 — Incorrect: CCHF is viral, not bacterial. Therefore, antibiotics cannot treat the underlying viral infection.