Crimean Congo Hemorragic Fever in Agricultural Workers

Crimean Congo Hemorragic Fever in Agricultural Workers

The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is common in eastern and western Africa and is caused by RNA virus. Carriers are mostly hyalomonic tick species. The first case was seen in Crimea in 1944. The disease was first seen in 2002 in Turkey. The disease can be transmitted by ticks or by contact with blood, tissues and secretions of infected patients or animals. Hemorrhage and agitation are seen after 3-5 days of flu-like symptoms. It is reported that the mortality rate of the disease is around 10%. According to the health ministry; in 12 years there were 440 deaths in 9069 cases. The case-mortality rate is 4.85%. There is no FDA-approved specific treatment, but symptomatic treatments are available. The use of ribavirin is controversial. Therefore, protection in risk groups is gaining importance. In our country, the north of the Central Anatolia Region and the south of the Black Sea Region are frequently encountered. Risk groups in terms of disease are; Farmers, livestock farmers, butchers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, health personnel and patient relatives. Those living in this area and those engaged in agriculture should be conscious and the following measures should be taken; 1- Outdoor workers and agricultural workers should wear fully covered and light colored clothes, 2- The risk group should check for ticks in the body when they return home, 3- The tick card should be distributed to the people working and living in the region, 4- If the person cant pull out the tick when noticed, he should apply to a doctor immediately, 5- In April and October, when the farms are active, agricultural workers must be examined, 6- Protective chemicals against ticks and insecticides should be used in certain areas where the ticks are dense.   Keywords: agricultural workers, crimean congo hemorrhagic fever, measures

___

  • Muhsin Akbaba, Volkan Recai Ötegen, Burak Kurt Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health