Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever ( CCHF) commonly called Congo Fever is an alert in Palghar District Maharastra now. It spread by ticks to humans from cattle. As there is no specific treatment for CCHF, it is a major concern for cattle-breeders, meat-sellers and animal husbandry officials said by Palghar animal husbandry department’s deputy commissioner doctor Prashant D Kamble. He also mentioned that CCHF is found in Gujarat and is likely to spread to border districts of Maharastra.
The transmission is by
Animal to animal – special ticks
Animal to humans – through contact with blood of infected animals or by eating the infected meat.
Tick borne virus Nairovirus of Bunyaviridae family is responsible for wide spread of CCHF
Symptoms
- Severe viral heamorrhagic fever
- Blood clots with fever
Death rates
10-40% fatality rate as per WHO
Transmission
Human to human
- Close contact with blood, secretions, organs, bodily fluids
- Due to inproper sterilization of medical equipment
- Chance of hospital acquired infections are possible.
As vaccine is not available for humans or animals for CCHF, WHO warns to stay safe from the infection.
