What do we know about Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever after cases were recorded in Iraq?

Dr. Qasim Sakran Abbas / College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kirkuk

Given the emergence of numerous cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in various governorates of Iraq, it is considered an emerging infectious disease that can cause severe, life-threatening illness and can lead to damage to the walls of the tiny blood vessels in the human body. This causes blood to leak under the skin, in addition to affecting the blood’s ability to clot platelets.

What are the symptoms?

These diseases usually begin with a high temperature, joint and muscle pain, and severe headaches, but they can quickly progress to bleeding from the mucous membranes, under the skin, or from internal organs. They may be accompanied by a drop in blood pressure, nervous system dysfunction, and kidney failure. In severe cases, they can lead to death within a few days of the onset of symptoms.

Transmission and Prevention

It is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick found on the skin of infected animals, or through direct exposure to the fluids and tissues of infected animals during or immediately after slaughter, or through direct contact with the blood or body secretions of an infected person. The length of the incubation period depends on the source of the virus, and typically ranges from one to three days after the tick bite to five to six days after contact with infected blood.

Learn about the most important treatment methods

There is no 100% effective treatment for the disease, but patients should receive general supportive care and treat their symptoms. The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat infected cases and has shown a clear response. It is administered orally and intravenously.

Effective Prevention Strategies

1. Adhere to the necessary health guidelines, hygiene, and sterilization, especially after contact with animals, and go to the nearest health center when symptoms occur.
2. Use insecticides to eliminate ticks (especially in rural areas).
3- Wear gloves and eye and face protection similar to infectious disease prevention clothing when handling blood or body fluids, when handling animals, or during slaughter.
4- Avoid contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected people or animals.
5- Thoroughly cook meat and safely dispose of meat preparation waste before cooking, as the virus dies at 60°C.
6- Avoid all unsterilized animal products, and pasteurization of milk and dairy products is also recommended.