A 14-year-old boy from Pakistan has tested positive for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), one of the world’s most lethal diseases, known for causing severe bleeding, including from the eyes. The disease, which is primarily transmitted through infected ticks, poses a significant threat to public health due to its potential to cause widespread outbreaks.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CCHF has a high case-fatality rate of 10-40% and is challenging to both prevent and treat. The virus is endemic in regions such as Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia.
In Quetta, doctors have isolated the infected teenager in a dedicated ward. Dr. Zubair Mandokhail, deputy medical superintendent at Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital, told Arab News, “The infected patient is being treated in the Congo isolation ward, but we have another suspected Congo patient whose report is yet to be confirmed.”
This year, Pakistan has reported 84 cases of CCHF, with five resulting in death. Experts note a rise in cases around Eid due to the mass slaughtering of animals, which increases exposure to the virus.
CCHF was first identified in the Crimean Peninsula in 1944 and later linked to a similar illness found in the Congo Basin in 1956, leading to its current name. Though over 80% of cases are mild or asymptomatic, symptoms typically emerge within 2-7 days of infection.
The virus is primarily spread through bites from Hyalomma ticks or contact with the blood or body fluids of infected ticks, animals, or humans. In hospitals, infections can occur through contact with contaminated medical instruments or the blood of infected patients. While CCHF in pregnant women is uncommon, it poses high risks for both maternal and fetal mortality.
Symptoms of CCHF can range from mild, flu-like illness to severe conditions involving multi-organ failure and bleeding. Key symptoms include:
Wild animals and pets can carry the virus for 2-15 days without showing symptoms, making detection challenging.
Scientists warn that CCHF may be expanding beyond its traditional regions, potentially due to global warming. Since 2016, there have been 15-20 reported cases in Spain, indicating the virus’s movement towards Europe. The WHO has classified CCHF as one of 37 priority diseases requiring immediate containment in the event of an outbreak. At-risk groups include outdoor workers, farmers, veterinarians, hunters, and healthcare professionals.
Currently, there is no vaccine available for CCHF. Treatment focuses on providing supportive care and managing symptoms to help patients recover.
