Corporate Health & Wellness Specialist – PrognoHealth
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral infection that is spread by ticks and can also be spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissue. The virus is found in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe and is considered a serious public health concern due to its high case-fatality rate.
Symptoms of CCHF typically appear within 2-9 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, patients may develop a rash, and may experience bleeding from the gums, nose, and under the skin. In severe cases, patients may develop kidney failure, and may experience bleeding in the brain, lungs, and stomach.
Diagnosis of CCHF is typically made through blood tests, which can detect antibodies to the virus or viral RNA. In some cases, a chest X-ray or CT scan may be performed to check for signs of pneumonia or other complications.
Treatment for CCHF is typically supportive, and may include medications to control fever, pain, and bleeding. In severe cases, patients may require intensive care and may need to be hospitalized. There is no specific antiviral therapy for CCHF.
To prevent CCHF from occurring, it is important to take precautions to avoid tick bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using tick repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. It is also important to avoid contact with infected animal blood or tissue.
Annual health check-ups can help to identify any underlying health conditions that may increase the risk of CCHF, and corporate health and wellness programs can help to promote healthy habits and reduce the risk of infection. It is also important to wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene especially if working in areas with known cases of CCHF.
Diet and exercise do not play a direct role in preventing CCHF, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
In summary, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral infection that is spread by ticks and can also be spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissue. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. As the disease progresses, patients may develop a rash, and may experience bleeding from the gums, nose, and under the skin. Diagnosis is typically made through blood tests. Treatment is typically supportive, and there is no specific antiviral therapy for CCHF. To prevent CCHF from occurring it is important to take precautions to avoid tick bites, avoid contact with infected animal blood or tissue, practice good hygiene, and wash hands frequently. Annual health check-ups and corporate health and wellness programs can help to identify any underlying health conditions that may increase the risk of CCHF and promote healthy habits. Diet and exercise do not play a direct role in preventing CCHF, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
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