Özet:

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tickborne, zoonotic infection caused by a virus (CCHFV) from the Bunyaviridae family. Hyalomma ticks are the main vectors of the infections. The disease has been reported from more then 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. The first cases of CCHF have been reported from Turkey in 2002. The CCHF virus is transmitted to humans by the bites or crushing of infected ticks, contact with blood or body fluids of CCHF patients or viremic livestock. The typical clinical course of CCHF was described through four distinct phases: incubation, prehemorrhagic, hemorrhagic, and convalescence periods . After a short incubation period, CCHF is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever,chills, severe headache, dizziness, back, and abdominal pains. In severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations, ranging from petechiae to large areas of ecchymosis, develop. A high index of suspicion is necessary in the early phase of the disease for diagnosis. Epidemiological history along with clinical symptoms, blood count, and biochemical test results are the first indicators of CCHF infection. The differential diagnosis for CCHF infection should include bacterial, viral, and non-infectious causes. The definitive diagnosis of CCHF depends on the specific diagnostic laboratory methods. Supportive therapy is the most essential part of case management. Ribavirin is the only antiviral drug used in the treatment although definitive studies are not available. Personal protective measures such as the use of acaricides and wearing protective clothing and simple barrier precautions for healthcare workers are important for protection.

Anahtar Kelimeler: