Now Threat Of Congo Fever In Maharashtra? Know What Is It & What Are Its Symptoms

The Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) spreads in humans through ticks. Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.

Female Scientist in Lab

New Delhi: While Maharashtra remains gravely affected by the Covid-19 infection , spread of another disease has put the administration on its toes. Authorities have been alerted about a possible spread of Congo fever in Palghar district. Palghar animal husbandry department said in a circular that the CCHF has been found in some districts of Gujarat, and is likely to spread to border districts of Maharashtra. What is Congo fever? Tick-Borne Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever is one of the deadly hemorrhagic fevers that are endemic in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. How does it spread? The Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) spreads in humans through ticks. "This viral disease is transmitted from one animal to another by a specific type of tick...the disease is transmitted to humans through contact with the blood of infected animals and by eating the meat of infected animals," the animal husbandry department of Palghar said in a circular. Human-to-human transmission can occur resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons. Hospital-acquired infections can also occur due to improper sterilisation of medical equipment, reuse of needles and contamination of medical supplies, according to the WHO. Symptoms: Viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks Precautions & Cure It is necessary to take timely precautions as there is no specific and useful treatment for the CCHF. There is no vaccine available for either people or animals against the disease. Fatality: As per the circular, "If the disease is not diagnosed and treated in time, 30 per cent of patients die." As per the WHO, the CCHF is a widespread disease caused by a tick- borne virus (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family. The virus causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks, with a case fatality rate of 10 to 40 per cent, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO).