11. Crimean congo hemorrhagic fever: Introduction and overview of the cases reported from Pakistan

Abstract

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever is a tick borne lethal zoonotic disease caused by Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus belonging to the genus Nairovirus and Family Bunyaviridae. It contains Single stranded negative sense segmented RNA genome. The host range of CCFHV includes domestic as well as wild animals and birds. The incubation period of the disease varies from 3 to 13 days depending on the mode of transmission of disease, resulting in high grade fever, headache, dizziness, Photophobia, low blood pressure, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hemorrhages, multi organ failure and death. No specific treatment is available so far, suspected cases are given supportive treatment and an antiviral agent Ribavirin. It is a global epidemic and was reported for the first time in Pakistan in 1976. Since 2000 sporadic cases have been reported in Pakistan mostly effecting Baluchistan and KP province due to the cross-border trade and migration of human beings and animals. Proper surveillance systems and guidelines need to be established to control and prevent the spread of disease.

Keywords: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever; Epidemic; Pakistan

http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2020.90260