Suspects presence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in other parts of the country

The National Institute of Virology (NIV) has said that there is a need for national surveillance of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) to prevent the spread of this deadly disease to humans.

This observation comes following two deaths in Gujarat due to CCHF and the detection of the virus in cattle in some places in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

"We received seven samples of suspected CCHF cases, of which six were found to be positive. Two of the suspected patients found positive, eventually died. Apart from the two confirmed CCHF deaths, no other casualty has been reported," Director NIV, Dr D T Mourya told Sakal Times.

CCHF is an infection spread by animals and officials said people who work closely with animals, including cattle rearers, are more at risk. The fatal CCHF first struck in Gujarat in 2011, claiming the lives of three people including a doctor and a nurse. Another doctor from Anand in Gujarat died of CCHF after a patient he was treating, died of the disease.

"CCHF is a widespread tick-borne viral disease found in domestic animals and wild animals, that may affect humans. Outbreaks of the illness are usually attributable to handling infected animals or people. Gujarat has had a history of CCHF. We have found traces of CCHF in cattle, sheep and goats in Gujarat and some areas of Rajasthan," Dr Mourya said.

According to Principal Scientist, Bio-safety Level-IV Microbial Containment Complex, NIV, Dr Pragya Yadav said that looking at the current situation, it is possible that the virus could be prevalent in other regions of the country.

"We need a country-wide surveillance of CCHF by various State health departments for drawing a roadmap to prevent higher transmission of the disease from animals to humans," Dr Yadav said.

SYMPTOMS OF CCHF

• Sudden fever
• Myalgia (aching muscles)
• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Body stiffness
• Sore eyes
• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhoea and abdominal pain
• Sharp mood swings
• Become confused and aggressive
• Fast heart rate
• Rash caused by skin bleeding
• Liver, kidney and lung failure