Prevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic FeverAmong High Risk Human Groups

Abstract

Background:Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), an acute viral infection, is a zoonotic disease which is transmitted to humans by infected ticks, direct contact with fresh meat or blood of infected animals (usually domestic livestock), or direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected person. Livestock handlers, skin processors, veterinary staff, livestock market workers, and other personnel engaged in jobs requiring some contact with animals and/or animal products are at high risk for CCHF. Most reported cases of this disease in Iran belong to butchers and slaughterhouse workers.Objectives:We aimed to study the prevalence of CCHF in slaughterhouse workers and livestock handlers who were admitted to Boo-ali Hospital for treatment of CCHF.Materials and Methods:We evaluated all patients’ files with confirmed CCHF admitted to Boo-ali Hospital in Zahedan, in southeastern part of Iran, during 1999-2011. Then, we examined the prevalence of disease among the high risk groups.Results:Out of 362 patients with CCHF (86% male, 14% female; with age range 12-78 years), 123 (34%) were slaughterhouse workers, 103 (28.5%) livestock handlers and farmers, 32 (9%) housewives, 7 (2%) students, 6 (1.9%) teachers, 4 (1.2%) military personnel, and other groups were workers with different employments.Conclusions:The present study showed that CCHF is highly prevalent in high risk occupational groups in Zahedan, Iran. Further surveillance, teaching and prevention programs are recommended.

Co-infection of Leptospirosis and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

“…Finally, the results are reported to the center for disease control in the ministry of health and health centers in the related province and city. In the city health center, in addition to the laboratory data, the demographic characteristics including age, sex, occupation, place of residence, and contact history are recorded for epidemiologic studies (14)(15)(16).…”

Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

“…The aim of all of these techniques is to avoid contact with the blood or other infected secretions of patients, even those who are dead. These recommendations are also advised for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers (1,2,6,21,22,38,(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46). Vaccines have protected nonhuman primates.…”

Evaluation of Serum Level of Interleukin-6 in Patients With Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Zahedan, Iran, From 2012 to 2015

“…Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever causes by a virus which is a member of the genus Nairovirus of family Bunyaviridae (1,2). This virus is widespread in Africa, Asia, the Middle-East and in some parts of Europe such as Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Hungary and Portugal.…”

“…Infected animals are usually asymptomatic, but the disease can cause a severe human disease with high mortality rate. The casefatality rate of CCHF depends on the transmission route and geographic area, but can be as high as 50% (2,4,5,12). Major signs of severe disease such as hemorrhage and severe thrombocytopenia are accompanied with increased vascular permeability that indicates the involvement of endothelial cells (ECs).…”