Present and future implications of crimean congo haemorrhagic fever disease emergence in Turkey

Abstract

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis and a public health concern in Turkey since its first confirmation in 2002. The virus displays great genetic diversity and tends to expand its release to new areas. The presence of the biological tick vectors harbouring the virus and a suitable habitat are the predisposing factors for disease emergence in Turkey and elsewhere. As Turkey is one of the most endemic countries for CCHF disease, deliberate studies should be conducted to monitor all aspects of virus circulation and diversity in all endemic and non-endemic areas of the country. This will help to gain valuable information to predict the fate of the disease, and to develop effective vaccines and treatment facilities. Owing to the zoonotic nature of the virus, it offers a good prospect for collaboration of human and veterinary medicine with the view to fight the disease based on the one health initiative. This review was focussed on CCHFV diversity, perspectives of disease occurrence in Turkey, and the present and future implications of the disease.