Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Kills 51-Year-Old Man From Gujarat: Key Facts About The Disease

Gujarat reports first fatality of the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in five years. WHO states that CCHF does not have any vaccines for treatment and is is a threat to the public health services.

A 51-year-old man from Gujarat reportedly succumbed to death from the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) on Tuesday. Doctors confirm that this is the first death reported from this infection in the last five years. It is commonly known as Congo fever. The Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever as defined by the WHO is, "A viral haemorrhagic fever usually transmitted by ticks. It can also be contracted through contact with viraemic animal tissues (animal tissue where the virus has entered the bloodstream) during and immediately post-slaughter of animals."

The victim has been identified as Mohanbhai, a cattle breeder from Jamnagar, Gujarat. He was admitted to the hospital on January 21 and reportedly died on January 27. The infection was confirmed after a blood sample from the patient was sent to a laboratory in Pune after which the presence of the virus was confirmed.

More About The Case

Additional Dean of Jamnagar Medical College Dr SS Chatterjee said to media, "This is the first case reported in the city in five years."

The health department has ramped up surveillance in the area near the deceased residence after his death. Officials have also advised his family member to maintain hygiene so as to prevent further spread in cases. The health department issued a statement saying,

"Patients infected with this virus have fever, muscle pain, headache and dizziness. Other symptoms include insomnia, depression and stomach ache after two to four days of infection, and rashes on the mouth, throat and skin as well."

Congo Fever Transmission

The virus can be primarily transmitted to people from ticks and domestic animals. Human-to-human transmission can also occur due to close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of the persons infected by this virus.

"CCHF Is A Threat To Public Health Services," Says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that, this deadly disease is a threat to the public health and its services as it can cause epidemics, it has a very high case fatality ratio of 10 to 40 per cent, it can lead to hospital and health facility outbreaks, it is difficult to treat and lastly, it has no vaccines as of now. CCHF is endemic in all of Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East and in Asia.