Congo Fever Symptoms Prevention and Treatment: Everything you need to know about the illness

As the country, and the world at large fight the COVID-19 pandemic, other diseases seem to be making their way up in terms of spread and effects of different pathogens.

With reports of Black Death and a new virus from China, Maharashtra's Palghar district has been put on alert against Congo fever. Various places in Maharashtra remain one of the worst affected due to COVID-19 already.

At a time like this, it becomes even more important to be safe, and ensure all prevention measures, precautions to keep the spread of such diseases at bay. At the same time, awareness about the disease among people, to avoid myths and rumours from floating around is also vital. Here is all one needs to know about Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), or Congo fever.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral infection, usually spread through the bite of a tick. It is caused by a virus named nairovirus, from the family of Bunyaviridae.

The disease was first characterized in the Crimea in 1944 and was given the former name. However, in 1969, the virus caused illness in Congo and was named Congo Fever thereafter.

Congo fever is found in eastern Europe, particularly in the former Soviet Union, throughout the Mediterranean, northwestern China, central Asia, southern Europe, Africa, Middle-east, and the Indian subcontinent.

The virus that causes Congo Fever, is a tick-borne virus. Hard ticks, especially from the family of Hyalomma, are a vector for CCHF virus. The virus can be found in various wild and domestic animals. The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with an infected tick, or animal blood. The virus can be transmitted within humans when a healthy person comes in contact with blood, or body fluids from an infected person.

Improper sterilization of medical equipment in hospitals, reuse of injection needles, and use of contaminated medical supplies can also lead to transmission. Insect repellants should be used on animals and their exposed parts such as skin, Wearing gloves and protective clothing can help, Avoiding contact with blood and other body fluids of animals. Proper hygiene and protocols should be followed in hospitals and healthcare centres.

The initial symptoms of CCHF include headache, fever, back pain, joint pain, stomach pain, and vomits. Red eyes and flushed face are also common. Jaundice can also be a symptom of the disease, and the infection may cause changes in mood and sensory perception. As the disease progresses, bruising, nosebleeds, uncontrolled bleeding, etc can also be seen.