Epidemiological and behavioral factors associated with Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infections in humans

Abstract

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a viral disease with high fatality rate, is endemic in many countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It is transmitted to humans either by tick bite or by direct contact with blood or tissues of viremic patients or livestock. Aim of the present study was to review the main epidemiological characteristics of the disease worldwide, with special attempt to show the epidemiological and behavioral factors that play a role in acquisition of the infection. It is obvious that these factors differ among countries, and the knowledge and understanding of the transmission routes in each region facilitates the implementation of proper control measures, the awareness enhancement and the prevention of the disease.

Keywords::

• Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever
• epidemiology
• humans
• risk factors
• transmission routes

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The present work is part of the FP7 project “ANTIcipating the Global Onset of Novel Epidemics” (ANTIGONE, Grant agreement number 278976), supported by the European Commission. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• • Transmission routes of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) differ among countries. While tick bite predominates in some of the countries, slaughtering and animal contact are the main risk factors is others.

• • Specific customs and behaviors among human population increase the risk for acquisition of CCHFV infection.

• • Knowledge and understanding of the risk factors is the basis for an effective program for prevention of CCHF infection.