Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Uganda and Senegal

Uganda

Since the beginning of the year, Uganda health officials have reported 20 cumulative Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) cases, which include eight confirmed and 4 probable cases, and four fatalities among the confirmed cases (50% CFR) and three deaths among the probable.

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Cases of CCHF have been reported from five districts-Kasese, Kirihuru, Kwankwanzi, Kyenjojo and Lyantonde.

The Ministry of Health activated the national public health emergency operations centre and deployed a rapid response team to conduct epidemiologic investigations.

Senegal

The Ministry of Health reported one additional confirmed CCHF case during the past month from Kaffrine district.

This brings the total cases in Senegal to seven confirmed cases and no deaths from 5 health districts this year to date.

The MOH has conducted active case search and risk communication activities in the affected communities.

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CCHF

Human CCHF infection mainly occurs after the bite of an infected tick or exposure to blood or tissues from infected animals; human-to-human transmission, particularly in healthcare settings, has also been reported.

CCHF causes clinical manifestations in humans ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe hemorrhagic fever. The case-fatality rate (CFR) during outbreaks is typically 5%–30%, but CFRs of up to 62% have been reported.

CCHF is the most geographically widespread tickborne disease, identified in >30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe located south of the 50th parallel north.

The annual incidence is estimated to be 10,000–15,000 cases worldwide but has been slowly and steadily rising. That increase in incidence is thought to be caused by the expanding range of its main vector, Hyalomma ticks, and by increased testing.

Most cases occur after tick bites; the second most common means of exposure is through bodily fluids and tissue from infected animals; and last, human-to-human transmission can occur in the healthcare setting.