Vaginal bleeding as a sign of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever infection: a case report

Abstract

Background: Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever is a severe vector-borne viral hemorrhagic fever with considerable mortality in humans. This disease is endemic in Afghanistan, and its incidence rate has rapidly increased in recent years. This infection can cause a broad range of hemorrhage manifestations including epistaxis, petechial or purpuric rashes, hematemesis, and melena; however, vaginal bleeding is also reported as a rare manifestation. Case presentation: We report the case of a previously healthy 30-year-old Afghan female of shepherding occupation, with a sudden onset of fever, generalized body pain, epistaxis, and vaginal bleeding. She was admitted to the hospital after 7 days of symptom manifestation, with predominant signs being high fever, vaginal bleeding, and elevated liver enzymes. The serological test result for Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever was positive. She was treated with oral ribavirin and discharged with normal parameters. Conclusions: People in high-risk professions in endemic areas should be informed that vaginal bleeding is a serious symptom and requires immediate action and, therefore, might be attributed to nongynecologic disorders.