Fever Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic (FHCC) is a viral infectious disease that produces a virus of the genus Nairovirus, of the family Bunyaviridae. Normally it is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick of the genre Hyalomma although there may be contagion between humans by direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people. The infection can also occur in farms or slaughterhouses. In severe cases it can lead to multiorgan failure.
The possibility that a woman admitted to a hospital in Seville was infected with this virus has been discarded after the analyzes performed in the National Microbiology Center.
Causes of crime-gauged hemorrhagic fever
Tick bite of the genus Hyalomma, contagion and contact with transitory reservoirs
The cause of Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a virus of the genus Nairovirus belonging to the Bunyaviridae family. It remains in nature in a cycle between small mammals and ticks, mainly, of the genus Hyalomma. Domestic cattle can become transitory and asymptomatic virus reservoir. Human infection can arrive through the tick bite or by exposure to blood or contaminated excrements. The transmission between humans comes through direct contact with blood or body fluids of infected people.
The incubation period is normally 3 to 7 days from exposure to the transitional reservoir animal and from 1 to 3 days from the bite of a tick.
The main risk factors are:
– Exposure to the bite of a tick in areas where the virus is endemic (all Africa, Balkans, the Middle East and Western Asia).
– Farm workers.
– Mataderos workers.
– Veterinarians.
Symptoms of crime-gain hemorrhagic fever
High fever, headache, discomfort
This disease can be asymptomatic. The signs that may indicate the presence of this disease are:
– High fever (more than 38 degrees).
– Redness of face, neck or thorax.
– Red eyes.
– Irritability
– Confusion.
– Headache.
– Chest pain.
– Muscle pains.
– Articular pains.
– General discomfort.
– Conjunctivitis.
Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea)
Small bruises (petechiae)
In severe cases there is bleeding (in nose, gums, vomiting, feces …), jaundice, breathing difficulty, shock, loss of visual acuity, neurological affectation and multiorgan failure.
Diagnosis of crime-cheese hemorrhagic fever
Cellular cultivation, serological test or antibody determination
If there is suspicion of a case of crime-with hemorrhagic fever, the doctor will raise evidence that includes a cell culture crop (restricted to biosecurity laboratories Level 4). Other options, which are made in specialized laboratories, are:
– Serological test such as immunoabsorption test linked to enzymes (Elisa)
– Determination of antibodies by direct immunofluorescence (IFA)
– Polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcriptase (RT-PCR).
Differential diagnosis should exclude: malaria, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, rickettsias and meningococemia infections.
Treatment and medication of the crime-cheese hemorrhagic fever
Patients in isolation
Before a case of hemorrhagic Crimea-Congo fever, the patient must be isolated and a biotechnological protection protocol, for health and cleaning staff. At a pharmacological level, the guideline is to apply Ribavirina, an analogous of nucleoside, and broad spectrum antibiotics. The treatment can be extended for a year and the survivors do not usually have sequelae; However, if there is shock, bleeding and neurological manifestations the prognosis is unfavorable.
Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever prevention
Use clear clothes and repellent
If you are going to travel to areas where the FHCC virus is endemic, clothes that cover the entire body and closed footwear, preferably, boots. It is advisable to use clear clothing that allows you to see ticks or other vectors with ease and use repellent products with diethyltoluamide (DEET).
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