Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
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About CCHF
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a serious viral disease that causes severe illness in humans. It’s rare in many parts of the world, but where it occurs, it can be life-threatening.
CCHF is caused by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, a Nairovirus in the Bunyaviridae family. It’s known for causing high fever, bleeding disorders, and organ failure in severe cases.The disease was first identified in Crimea in the 1940s and later linked to a similar virus found in the Congo—hence the name.
What to know:
- CCHF is primarly found in Africa, the Balkans, Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia.
- Humans can get infected through tick bites (especially Hyalomma ticks), contact with blood or tissues of indected animals, and human to human transmission via contact with blood or bodily fluids.
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Symptoms usually appear 1–13 days after exposure and include sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diahrrea, and abdominal pain.