Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), known in Afghanistan as Congo fever, is a serious viral infection spread by tick bites and by contact with the blood of infected animals, often during slaughter. Cases rise every summer and around Eid al-Adha. It can cause severe bleeding and death, so anyone with a sudden fever after contact with livestock or ticks must go to hospital immediately.
Symptoms
Sudden high fever
Severe headache, muscle pain and back pain
Dizziness and red eyes
Nausea, vomiting and belly pain
Bleeding from the gums or nose, or bruising on the skin
Blood in vomit, urine or stool
Causes
CCHF virus carried by ticks on cattle, sheep and goats
Being bitten by a tick or crushing a tick with bare hands
Contact with the blood or raw meat of infected animals during slaughter
Contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person, including in hospitals
Prevention
Wear gloves and long sleeves when slaughtering animals or handling raw meat
Slaughter animals in official slaughterhouses where possible, not at home or in the street
Do not crush ticks with bare hands; check your body and clothes for ticks
Spray livestock against ticks
Cook meat well
Health workers should use gloves and protective clothing
Treatment
Urgent hospital care, often in an isolation ward
Fluids, blood products and close monitoring
Doctors may give an antiviral medicine early in the illness
Family caring for the patient must avoid contact with blood and body fluids
Do not start any medicine without a doctor, and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because they increase bleeding
Common questions
Is it safe to eat meat during Eid?
Yes, if the meat is well cooked. The main risk is contact with fresh blood during slaughter, so wear gloves, take care not to cut yourself and slaughter in safe places.
Can Congo fever spread from person to person?
Yes, through contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person. Family members and health workers must use gloves and avoid touching blood.
