CRIMEAN CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER (CCHF): A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE

Dr. Dewesh Kumar, Mamta Kumari*, Mukul Kumar Kejriwal, Namita Mandi, Omkar Kumar and Prerna Kumari

ABSTRACT

Crimea Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a deadly tick borne zoonosis caus ed by the Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), with the highest case fatality rate and with widespread distribution. This review synthesizes the disease with respect to zoonotic origins, transmission routes, clinical manifestation, and current pr ogress in vaccine development. CCHF is transmitted mainly through ticks of the genus Hyalomma or through close contacts with infected animals or humans' blood and body fluids. People involved in handling livestock, agriculture, and health care are particul arly at risk. The illness begins with nonspecific symptoms and may develop into hemorrhagic complications. Indian epidemiological data between 2011 and 2023 have revealed 63 confirmed cases and 31 deaths, with Gujarat recording maximum cases. Major outbrea ks worldwide have also been recorded, including Afghanistan (950 cases, 96 deaths), Iraq (545 cases, 70 deaths), and Turkey (2,508 cases, 133 deaths), revealing the deadly potentials of the disease.

Keywords: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), zoonot ic disease, tick borne infections, vaccine development, epidemiology.