Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), known in Afghanistan as Congo fever, is a serious viral infection spread by tick bites and by contact with the blood of infected animals, often during slaughter. Cases rise every summer and around Eid al-Adha. It can cause severe bleeding and death, so anyone with a sudden fever after contact with livestock or ticks must go to hospital immediately.
Symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache, muscle pain and back pain
- Dizziness and red eyes
- Nausea, vomiting and belly pain
- Bleeding from the gums or nose, or bruising on the skin
- Blood in vomit, urine or stool
Causes
- CCHF virus carried by ticks on cattle, sheep and goats
- Being bitten by a tick or crushing a tick with bare hands
- Contact with the blood or raw meat of infected animals during slaughter
- Contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person, including in hospitals
Prevention
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when slaughtering animals or handling raw meat
- Slaughter animals in official slaughterhouses where possible, not at home or in the street
- Do not crush ticks with bare hands; check your body and clothes for ticks
- Spray livestock against ticks
- Cook meat well
- Health workers should use gloves and protective clothing
Treatment
- Urgent hospital care, often in an isolation ward
- Fluids, blood products and close monitoring
- Doctors may give an antiviral medicine early in the illness
- Family caring for the patient must avoid contact with blood and body fluids
- Do not start any medicine without a doctor, and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because they increase bleeding
Common questions
Is it safe to eat meat during Eid?
Yes, if the meat is well cooked. The main risk is contact with fresh blood during slaughter, so wear gloves, take care not to cut yourself and slaughter in safe places.
Can Congo fever spread from person to person?
Yes, through contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person. Family members and health workers must use gloves and avoid touching blood.