- Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - causes. How can you get infected?
- Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - symptoms
- Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - treatment
- Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - how can infection be prevented?
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Bleeding eye fever, or Crimean Congo fever, is a very dangerous disease caused by the CCHF virus. Due to the lack of a vaccine for bleeding eye fever, the disease is highly lethal. What are the causes and symptoms of bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo)? What is the treatment?
Bleeding eye fever,otherwiseCrimean Congo haemorrhagic fever , is a dangerous, deadly viral disease. This hemorrhagic fever was first recorded in 1944 in the Crimea, and then in 1969 in the Congo. Bleeding eye fever is endemic in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and Asia. This virus is also present in the area of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan. The disease was also found in Spain in 2016.
Recently, cases of infection with this dangerous virus have unfortunately been reported again. In January 2022, a 9-year-old girl in Uganda died of bleeding-eye fever. The inhabitants of Africa are afraid of an outbreak of the epidemic, as the death of a girl is not the only case in this region. In December 2022, three people died of Crimean Congo fever in South Sudan. However, the local he alth inspector, Dr Badru Sesimba, said the girl's blood samples were sent to the Uganda National Research Institute. Also, the World He alth Organization (WHO) and the Sudanese Ministry of He alth are currently examining about 60 people suspected of being infected with this virus.
Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - causes. How can you get infected?
Bleeding eye fever is caused by the CCHF (Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever) virus, which is transmitted by ticks (mainly of the Hyalomma genus). The virus can be infected not only by tick-borne infection, but also through contact with tissues, blood and body fluids of an infected person. Infection can also occur through contact with infected animals and meat.
Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - symptoms
Bleeding eye fever is a serious disease whose symptoms are similar to those of the flu. People who are infected suddenly develop symptoms such as:
- high fever
- chills
- muscle and joint pain (especially in the back and neck area)
- headaches
- photosensitivity
After about 2-3 days, bloody vomiting and diarrhea, bleeding from the digestive system, bleeding to the mucous membranes (including eyes), nose bleeds may also occur.
GOOD TO KNOW- Hemolakria, or bloody tears
A rash that develops into petechiae is also a characteristic symptom, which may also begin to bleed. Bleeding mainly results from damage and increased permeability of small blood vessels. After about 2-4 days, depression and confusion may occur.
In seriously ill people, on the 5th day of infection, the following may occur:
- hepatitis
- deterioration of kidney function
- lung failure
The Crimean Congo fever mortality in hospitalized persons is 40%. Death occurs after about two weeks. In the case of recovering patients, their condition improves about 9 days after the onset of the disease.
Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - treatment
Treatment of Crimean Congo fever is symptomatic. It is based on the treatment of secondary infections and the maintenance of the acid-base and water-electrolyte balance in the body. The positive effect of ribavirin against the virus has also been noticed. Both intravenous and oral administration of the drug is beneficial.
Bleeding eye fever (Crimean Congo, CCHF) - how can infection be prevented?
So far, no vaccine has been invented against the virus that causes bleeding eye fever. In order to avoid contamination, special care is advised during the stay in countries at risk of CCHF virus infection. To prevent tick bites, use all kinds of insect repellent and choose outerwear that covers the exposed areas. It is also recommended to follow the rules of hygiene and avoid contact with blood and body fluids of infected animals or people.
About the authorWeronika RumińskaA graduate of Polish philology with an editorial and publishing specialization at the University of Warsaw. She developed her interests related to the editor's work already during her master's studies, actively cooperating with Poradnikzdrowie.pl on the editorial path and social media. Privately, a lover of good crime fiction and horse riding.Read more articles by this author.