Evaluation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Kermanshah (2006 - 2020)

Abstract

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a contagious viral disease that can be transmitted through various means, including tick bites, contact with infected blood and animal tissues in slaughterhouses, and healthcare-related infections. Methods: In this study, we examined the incidence of CCHF and analyzed the demographic and clinical data of 130 patients diagnosed with CCHF in Kermanshah, a city located in western Iran, over a period of 15 years (2006 - 2020). Results: During the study, 19 cases tested positive, 66 were verisimilar, and the remaining cases (31.54%) were considered suspected. Among the positive cases, 15 patients recovered, and four died. Of those infected, 63.16% were males residing in rural areas. Additionally, 78.95% of the infected individuals had contact with domestic livestock, 26.31% had a history of contact with ticks, and 10.53% had contact with raw meat or raw liver. Furthermore, 5.26% had a history of contact with a CCHF patient. Conclusions: The highest prevalence of CCHF was observed among men aged 15 to 30 who lived in rural areas. According to the annual reports of people suffering from CCHF, health authorities should prioritize this disease in their public health programs. Since individuals who come into direct contact with livestock and livestock products are at a high risk of contracting diseases, it is important to educate them.