Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Reported in Herat Province, Afghanistan

Cases of Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been reported in the province of Herat. The Herat Regional Hospital has treated a total of 36 CCHF cases within the last two months, with 4 cases resulting in death.

Sfaturi

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.