Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted by tick bites. The disease-carrying ticks transmit the virus to the animals and humans they bite.
The disease is most common in our country between June and September. The fact that people spend more time in nature for field, vineyard, gardening and picnic purposes in summer increases this rate.
While only febrile illness can be seen in infected animals, it can lead to a fatal disease that is difficult to treat with fever and bleeding in humans.
>In addition to tick bites, the disease can also be transmitted through processing, eating and contact with the blood of infected farm animals. It can also be transmitted from sick people.
Who is at risk?
Field workers, shepherds, veterinarians and butchers are in the risk group. Campers and picnickers, soldiers and those who are in unprotected green areas are also at risk.
It is most common in Crimea, Turkey, Iran and eastern Europe in the world. In other words, Turkey is one of the countries where the disease is common. However, it is possible to be seen in other cities in our country.
Symptoms of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
It is first seen with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle pain. Later, symptoms such as widespread bleeding, skin rashes, and deterioration in liver and kidney functions may occur. The disease can have a serious course and can be fatal.
How to avoid tick bites?
The best method of protection against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is to prevent tick bites. In addition, symptoms (fever, malaise, headache, etc.) after a tick bite should be monitored and a healthcare professional should be consulted immediately in such a case.
How do ticks attach to the body?
Tick bites usually occur in wooded and grassy areas. Ticks cannot fly or jump. It can only climb the body by walking from the ground or climb onto a high grass.
When returning from tick-risk areas, the skin such as behind the ear, armpits, groin and back of the knee can be penetrated. Soft areas should be checked.
It is important that children wear appropriate clothing (long sleeves and trousers) when playing outside, avoid tall grass when walking in open areas, and look after their bodies frequently.
First response to a tick bite
If a tick is found on the body, it should be carefully removed using tweezers or a tick removal tool. When removing the tick, make sure that the entire body part is removed.
The person who takes off must wear gloves. If possible, the tick should be removed by wearing glasses, mask and visor. Pressing cigarettes or pouring substances such as cologne, kerosene, etc. on a tick should not be done, as it will cause the tick to contract and transfer its body contents to the person it sucked blood. Symptoms appear 2-3 days after the tick bite. In this process, people with signs of illness, especially fever, can definitely be hospitalized and treated.
Is the elapsed time important?
The length of time the tick stays in the body after biting increases the risk of transmission, so it should be removed as soon as possible.
Does every tick bite cause disease?
No. The disease occurs in approximately one in 10 bites.
Is there a cure for the disease?
There is no vaccine for this disease yet.
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