Epidemiological profile of crimean congo hemorrhagic fever (Cchf) in afghanistan: A teaching-case study

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a vector-borne hemorrhagic disease caused by a primarily zoonotic virus infecting a wide range of domestic and wild animals. The main implicated vectors are Hyalomma spp. ticks. Transmission of the virus to humans occurs through tick bites, crushing of infected ticks, contact with blood, body fluids, and tissue of patients with CCHF during the acute phase of illness; and contact with blood or tissue of viremic livestock. Afghanistan health officials have reported an increase in CCHF cases in 2017. In 2017, a total of 237 cases of CCHF including 41 deaths (CFR: 17.2%) have been reported throughout 27 provinces. Majority of these cases-71 cases (nearly 30%) including 13 associated deaths (CFR: 18.3%), were reported from the capital city, Kabul. This case study simulates an epidemic investigation including laboratory confirmation, active case finding, descriptive epidemiology and implementation of control measures. This case study is designed for the training of basic level field epidemiology trainees or any other health care workers working with CCHF and other public health-related fields. It can be administered in 2-3 hours. Used as adjunct training material, the case study provides the trainees with competencies in assessing the epidemiological profile of CCHF.