The Scary World of Zoonotic Diseases
From The Unknown Diseases File
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a severe illness caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). As the name suggests, it was first recognized in Crimea in 1944, with scientists later discovering the same disease in the Congo, leading to its compound name.
The disease spreads primarily through tick bites, specifically from the Hyalomma tick species, which serves as both a reservoir and vector for the virus. Unlike many other dangerous viruses that have limited geographical spread, CCHF appears across a vast territory including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of southern and eastern Europe.
Several factors make CCHF particularly worrisome:
High fatality rate: Without proper treatment, roughly 30% of infected individuals will die from the disease.
Expanding risk zone: Climate change and other environmental factors are helping the Hyalomma tick expand its range, placing new populations at risk who have no prior exposure …
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