Overview of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever 15-year morbidity within 2005-2019 based on ProMED-RUS reports

Abstract

Background: Russian-language ProMED-mail (ProMED-RUS) reports on emerging infectious diseases in 15 Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries. Among them several regions are endemic for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Methods & materials: To assess the epidemiology of CCHF in the territory of FSU we reviewed 267 ProMED-RUS reports about CCHF posted from 2005 to 2019. Moderator's comments also were taken in account. Results: According to ProMED-RUS, within 2005-2019 CCHF were registered in Russia (Rostov, Stavropol, Volgograd, Astrakhan regions, republics of Kalmykia, Kabardino-Balkariya, Dagestan, Ingushetiya), Kazakhstan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Between 2005 and 2019, 1,885 cases, including 42 fatalities were recorded in Russia (case fatality rate (CFR) 3%). The highest incidence rate was registered between 2006 and 2008 (200–234 cases). Beginning from 2009, the incidence rate decreased and reached 70-80 cases annually. In 2015, 2016 and 2019 new peaks of CCHF morbidity were recorded (139, 162 and 120 annual cases accordingly).ProMED-RUS started to report about CCHF in the South of Kazakhstan (Jambyl, Kizilorda and Turkestan regions) since 2008, with the highest number of cases (26) in 2009. Between 2010 and 2019 10–20 cases were registered annually with CFR 20-30%.In Tajikistan, ProMED-RUS reported on 5 cases in 2009 including 3 fatalities, CFR was 60%. There are no more available information in Russian language mass media since that time. ProMED-RUS first reported on CCHF cases in Georgia in 2009. In 2010-2012, sporadic cases were registered in the country; since 2013, more than 10 cases were diagnosed annually. CFR in Georgia was more than 30%. In 2019 ProMED-mail first reported on CCHF case in Kyrgyzstan which was imported to Kazakhstan.ProMED-RUS reported also on 13 CCHF cases in Uzbekistan within 2013–2015, including 10 fatal cases, and 2 fatal cases in 2017.Kazakhstan (2009), Tajikistan (2009), and Russia (2011) recorded 3 nosocomial clusters among healthcare workers with 5, 7, and 9 cases respectively. Cluster in Russia was probably related with aerosol-generation procedures. In other countries transmission was connected with unprotected contact with infected blood. Conclusion: ProMED-RUS reports in FSU countries regularly provide useful and prompt information, which allow to monitor epidemiological situation with CCHF in the region.