As the European region encounters high-intensity heatwaves and devastating wildfires, public health experts are expressing increased unease about the advent of viruses typically found in warmer climates. Of particular concern is the sudden emergence of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a tick-borne infection that poses significant threat to public health.
Understanding CCHF
CCHF is a virulent haemorrhagic fever caused by ticks and exposure to viremic animal tissues. Its potential to provoke large-scale epidemics has alarmed the global health community, especially due to its high case fatality ratio, which stands at 10-40% according to The World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, its prevention and treatment present various challenges, further escalating concerns about this deadly disease.
Identifying Symptoms and Available Treatments
Individuals infected with the CCHF virus may experience symptoms ranging from fever, muscle ache, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, to mood swings. Although there is currently no specifically available vaccine, treatment mainly revolves around managing these symptoms. Promising results have shown the antiviral drug, ribavirin, to be potentially beneficial in treating CCHF infections.
Transmission Routes
The CCHF virus primarily spreads through tick bites or contact with infected animal blood or tissues during and after slaughter. It can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact with infected individuals or due to the improper sterilization of medical equipment.
Preventing and Controlling CCHF
Given the intricate and often unnoticed tick-animal-tick cycle, the widespread dispersal of tick vectors, and the lack of available animal vaccines, controlling CCHF is a complex task. One possible measure includes ensuring that animals remain tick-free for a period of at least 14 days in quarantine before slaughter. Reducing infection in humans requires public awareness around risk factors and education on measures to mitigate virus exposure. This includes wearing long sleeves, trousers and light-colored clothing for easy tick detection, as well as avoiding close physical contact with infected individuals.
The Global Spread of CCHF
CCHF, initially endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, has begun a northward and westward expansion across Europe. Several cases have been reported in countries such as Spain, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Climate Change – A Catalyst for Disease Spread
Climate change appears to be a contributing factor to the spread of pathogens into new territories. Warmer temperatures and altered habitats facilitate the proliferation of ticks and other insects in regions previously unsuitable for their survival. Changes in water habitats and animal migration patterns are also instrumental in propagating disease spread.
