In response to the transmission of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and the risk of its spread due to the anticipated increase in human-animal contact during Eid-ul-Adha, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory regarding the virus on Tuesday.

The health organization emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and taking the necessary steps to halt the spread of the Congo virus.

Since the first human case of CCHF was identified in 1976, the NIH reports that sporadic cases have continued to occur in various regions of the country.

Despite the fact that Baluchistan remains the most affected province, cases are reported annually from all over the country.

In 2021, Baluchistan reported 19 suspected cases, of which 14 were confirmed and five deaths occurred.

In 2022, four confirmed cases have been reported, two from Punjab and two from Sindh.

How does it communicate?

The CCHF virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and immediately following slaughter.

The disease is transmitted to humans via contact with infected ticks or animal blood. CCHF can be transmitted from an infected individual to an uninfected individual through contact with infectious blood, secretions, or body fluids.

Inadequate sterilisation of medical equipment, a breach in infection control practises, the reuse of injection needles, and the use of contaminated medical supplies can also result in hospital-acquired CCHF infections.

Symptoms:

The Congo virus mimics the signs and symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever in infected individuals (DHF).

"Considering its transmission dynamics (human-to-human) and high mortality, it is imperative to exclude CCHF through a careful epidemiological history/clinical examination of the patient while strictly observing the prescribed hospital infection control measures," the National Institutes of Health stated.

Suspect: Any individual with a sudden onset of fever over 38C° for more than three days and less than ten days, hemorrhagic symptoms, and a history of animal contact in an endemic area.

Probable: A suspected case with a 10-day history of febrile illness, the aforementioned clinical manifestations, and an epidemiological link to endemic areas for CCHF.

Suspect/probable case with laboratory confirmation of CCHF (PCR & serology).

Incubation Period:

According to the NIH, the incubation period following a tick bite ranges from 1 to 3 days, with a maximum of 9 days. It added that the incubation period following contact with infected blood or tissues is typically 5 to 6 days, with a maximum documented duration of 13 days.

Preventive Actions;

Currently, there is no widely available vaccine that is both safe and effective, according to the NIH.

It was stated that in the absence of a vaccine, the only way to prevent infection in humans is to reduce risk factors and educate the community about preventative measures.

Reducing the risk of infection transmission from ticks to humans in high-risk environments:

  • Wear protective attire (long sleeves and long pants);
  • Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be easily identified;
  • Regularly inspect clothing and skin for ticks; if ticks are discovered, safely remove them.
  • Use acceptable insecticides on clothing;
  • Apply an effective insect repellent to the skin. Insect repellents are the most effective means of protecting human populations from ticks.
  • Avoid visiting areas and seasons where ticks are abundant and most active.

Reducing the risk of animal-to-human infection transmission:

  • Wear gloves and other protective clothing when handling animals or their tissues in endemic areas, particularly when slaughtering, butchering, or culling animals at home or in slaughterhouses.
  • Animals should be placed in quarantine (possibly for 30 days) or routinely treated with acaricides prior to slaughter.
  • Inject ivermectin into tick-infested animals 24 to 30 days prior to slaughter.

Reducing the risk of human-to-human infection transmission in the community:

  • Avoid close physical contact with individuals infected with CCHF;
  • When caring for sick individuals, use gloves and protective equipment.
  • Regularly wash hands with soap after caring for or visiting ill individuals.
  • Observe safe burial procedures by avoiding contact with the deceased patient's mucous membranes and bodily fluids and by wearing the appropriate PPE when handling the body.