Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus: All you need to know about the virus spreading across Europe, Africa, Middle East due to climate change

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

CCHF) virus, which poses a significant public health risk, is spreading across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with concerns of its potential impact being exacerbated by climate change. CCHF is primarily transmitted by ticks and carries a fatality rate ranging from 10 to 40 percent. Instances of CCHF have already been reported in Spain and Pakistan, raising concerns about the possibility of its emergence in the United Kingdom. According to James Wood, head of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, CCHF could eventually make its way to the UK due to the presence of ticks. He noted that the disease is expanding beyond its typical regions and progressing toward countries like Britain and France, largely due to the effects of climate change. Given the urgency of the situation, the government has issued a crucial health advisory regarding CCHF, urging individuals to take preventive measures against ticks. These precautions involve wearing appropriate clothing, such as long sleeves and trousers, when in areas inhabited by ticks, as well as conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is an alarming disease resulting from a tick-borne virus. Initially identified in Crimea in 1944, this virus has now spread to various regions worldwide, including Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Common indicators of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever encompass fever, headaches, muscle pain, and bleeding, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While this illness can be fatal, there is currently no specific treatment available. Timely diagnosis and intervention, however, can enhance the likelihood of survival.