Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: A Reemerging Disease

Abstract

Context: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a fatal viral disease which has 30% to 80% mortality rate. In endemic areas, livestock handlers, skin processors, veterinary staff, livestock market employees, farmers, and health care staff are at risk. Diagnosis is made based on clinical manifestations, epidemiologic factors, and laboratory tests. Here, we reviewed the epidemiology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment, and the prophylaxis of CCHF. Evidence Acquisition: We searched electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) from January 1980 to May 2014. Key words including CCHF, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, treatment, and prevention routes were searched. Results: CCHF is widely distributed in different countries worldwide and is also endemic in our country, Iran. Treatment is mainly supportive; however, if the patient is suspected to have CCHF, ribavirin therapy is needed immediately. High dose methylprednisolone, interferon, and intraveonus immunoglobulin (IVIG) are other treatment protocols. Postexposure prophylaxis should be considered potentially in people who were exposed to CCHF virus, such as those who have mucous membrane contact or percutaneous injuries in contact with body secretions or blood of infected animal or patients with CCHF. Conclusions: CCHF is a fatal viral disease. Therefore, preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis should be potentially considered to decrease the rate of infection.