A case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is reported by the UK Health Security Agency. The case concerns a woman living in England who has been diagnosed with this particular viral disease which is transmitted by ticks to animals, particularly farm animals, and which can then be transmitted from them to humans.
The infected woman
It is considered endemic in several regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the Balkans. The woman from the UK had recently traveled to a region in Central Asia. The woman was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital in London.
This statement was made by Dr Susan Hopkins, Medical Advisor to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In the same statement, it is stated that the risk to the public remains very low. Prior to the case involving this woman, there had only been two other cases involving this haemorrhagic fever in the UK, one recorded in 2012 and the other in 2014.
Symptoms that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever can cause
Symptoms that Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever can cause include muscle aches, fever, increased sensitivity to light, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even psychological symptoms such as confusion, aggression, and swings. in the mood, according to a Forbes article.
There is no cure or vaccine for the infection, neither for animals nor for humans. Standard treatment is administered, through which the patient’s condition and any other related infections are monitored.
Transmission to humans
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is caused by Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonovirus (CCHFV).
Transmission to humans can occur through contact with the bodily fluids or faeces of infected animals (or other humans) or, more rarely, through the bite or contact with the fluids of carrier ticks. These ticks act as environmental reservoirs and virus vectors. Among the species of carrier ticks identified are several dozen species of the genera Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma. The virus can infect several species of animals, including European hare, hedgehogs and multi-mammal rats (Mastomys). However, the virus can also infect some farm animals, such as sheep, goats and cattle, although these animals usually do not show symptoms.