Overview
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the CCHF virus, with mortality rates up to 30% in humans. It predominantly affects individuals in endemic areas, particularly shepherds and young children due to occupational and environmental exposures 1.Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation: Fever, malaise, tonsillopharyngitis, nausea/vomiting, headache, diarrhea, myalgia, and often a history of tick bite 1.
Laboratory Diagnosis: Detection of CCHF IgM antibodies and/or viral genetic material via PCR 1.Management
Supportive Care: Focus on fluid and electrolyte management, blood pressure support, and treatment of complications 1.
Specific Treatments: No specific antiviral therapy widely recommended; ribavirin has been used in some cases but evidence varies 1.Special Populations
Pediatrics: Children affected often present with similar symptoms; no fatalities reported in the studied pediatric cohort despite high exposure risk 1.
Comorbidities: No specific management adjustments noted for comorbidities in pediatric cases 1.Key Recommendations
Diagnose CCHFV infection through detection of IgM antibodies and/or viral RNA in suspected cases (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Prioritize supportive care including fluid management and addressing complications in all age groups (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
Consider ribavirin for severe cases, though evidence varies and should be individualized (Evidence: Weak 1).References
1 Tezer H, Sucakli IA, Sayli TR, Celikel E, Yakut I, Kara A et al.. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in children. Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology 2010. link