Abstract

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an endemic disease in parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. It was first classified in the 1940’s as Crimean Hemorrhagic fever due to an outbreak in Western Crimea in the former USSR. Later in 1969, it was discovered that the causative virus of this disease was antigenic ally identical with the Congo virus, discovered in Belgian Congo. Thus, the term Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever was coined. CCHF classically presents with symptoms of hemorrhage, such as petechial, ecchymosis, and hemorrhage of the gums, nose, internal organs and the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms in the earlier stages are generalized, and hence, make it difficult to produce a diagnosis. Transmission occurs due to tick bites and infestations of the virus in livestock. During Eid-ul-Azha, livestock is sacrificed in a religious ceremony. The consequent interaction of human beings with infected animals and their blood material leads to an outbreak of the disease during this period. Cases are endemic in the state of Baluchistan due to cattle herding being a common profession. Sacrificial ceremonies involving laymen with lack of awareness about the disease leads to increased incidences. No preventative measures are taken against the disease during Eid-ul-Azha. Infection control policies should be adopted among those exposed to the animal during Eid-ul-Azha. Awareness programs and methods of early diagnosis could also prevent fatality, and increase disease control.

Keywords: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever; Crimean fever; CCHF; Religious event; Eid-ul-Azha; Congo Virus; Tick-borne; Nairovirus; Bioterrorism Agent; Hyalomma; Transstadial Transmission; Transovarial Transmission; Venereal Transmission; Cattle Herding; Sacrificial rituals; Infection control