Two cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever from Mauritania now in Senegal

A few weeks ago, a mother and daughter from Mauritania developed symptoms and were later diagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. They were taken to Senegal for treatment, thus the Senegalese Ministry of Health and Social Welfare declared an outbreak of the disease from the two imported cases. Fifteen people including family, medical staff, and other patients who were in close contact with the two are being followed up and monitored for any symptoms.

Advice

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus is generally transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by exposure to infected animal blood or by bites from infected ticks. Removal of ticks from animals using unprotected hands is often a source of infection. The infection can also spread from person to person by infected blood. The risk of exposure for most travellers is low. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, especially when in contact with cattle or other livestock in areas where this virus is common.