Questions and Answers
CCHF is transmitted via ______ and direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids of infected animals.
ticks
Which of the following are viral hemorrhagic fevers? (Select all that apply)
Transmission to humans from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is high during early stages of the disease.
False
What is Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)?
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What are common risk factors for contracting CCHF?
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What is the incubation period for CCHF?
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The severe disease is thought to be due to an exaggerated proinflammatory ______ response.
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Breastfeeding has been associated with CCHF transmission.
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What clinical manifestations are observed in severe cases of CCHF?
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Study Notes
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs)
- VHFs are zoonotic diseases caused by various viruses, including Lassa fever, Ebola fever, Marburg fever, Yellow fever, Dengue, and more.
- Common types of VHFs: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Rift Valley fever, Kyasanur fever, and Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (Hantaan fever).
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
- CCHF is transmitted by ticks and presents with fever and hemorrhagic symptoms.
- Humans are the only known hosts that develop disease from CCHF.
Epidemiology
- In 2022, Iraq documented over 200 CCHF cases in the first half of the year.
- CCHF transmission is most active from May to September, peaking in June and July.
- Viral reservoirs primarily include domestic livestock: sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs.
- Ticks can remain attached to hosts for 2 to 13 days, during which the virus multiplies within 36 hours of attachment.
- Virus does not survive outside the host but can persist in infected body fluids (blood, stool, vomit).
Transmission Routes
- Via ticks, direct contact with infected animal fluids, nosocomial routes, and vertical transmission.
- Low risk of community transmission among close contacts.
- Relatives and caregivers must avoid contact with infected individuals and use personal protective equipment.
- Nosocomial transmission heightened during late disease stages due to higher viral loads.
- Risk of transmission is increased in healthcare settings, especially with aerosol-generating procedures.
- Breastfeeding is not associated with CCHF virus transmission.
Risk Factors
- Primarily affects agricultural workers, veterinarians, and individuals in endemic areas (e.g., abattoirs, leather factories).
- Higher risk for campers, hikers, hunters, soldiers, healthcare workers, and travelers to affected regions.
Virology
- CCHF virus (CCHFV) belongs to the Nairovirus family, with negative-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses.
Clinical Manifestations
- Most cases are subclinical (88%).
- Acute infections can lead to hemorrhage and multiorgan failure with an incubation period of 1 to 13 days.
- Common symptoms:
- Sudden fever
- Headache, malaise, myalgia
- Sore throat, dizziness, conjunctivitis, photophobia
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- Hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, confusion
- Initial nonspecific symptoms may last up to seven days before recovery or severe progression.
Severe Disease
- Hemorrhagic signs may include petechiae, ecchymoses, epistaxis, gum bleeding, pulmonary hemorrhage, and intra-abdominal bleeding.
- Severe cases often result from a "cytokine storm," leading to:
- Hypotension, shock, multiple organ failure, and potential death.
- Laboratory findings may show thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated transaminases, and prolonged clotting times.
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Description
Explore the various types of viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) such as Lassa, Ebola, and Crimean-Congo fever. Understand their causes, symptoms, and transmission. This quiz will test your knowledge of these zoonotic diseases.
