Background
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic arbovirosis. Humans are infected by tick bites or contact with blood of infected animals. CCHF can be responsible for severe outbreaks due to human-to-human transmission.
Objectives
The aims of the study were to increase awareness and promote the search for risk factors and disease monitoring to prevent CCHF epidemic, capacity building of laboratory diagnosis, appropriate measures to treat CCHF virus-infected patients, and information for the local population.
Methods
During the outbreak of hemorrhagic fever in Mauritania from February to May 2022, blood samples were collected from 88 patients suspected to be infected with the virus. Viral diagnosis was established by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at the laboratory of the National Institute of Public Health Research in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Results
CCHF was confirmed by RT-PCR in 7 of 88 (8%) patients. Ticks were found in cattle, sheep, or goats in the areas where the subjects resided, with the exception of one CCHFV-positive patient in close contact with fresh animal meat. Exposure to potential risk factors for CCHF virus infection was found in all patients. The interval between the onset of symptoms and hospital admission was 2–3 days. All seven patients were admitted to our hospital and treated promptly by blood transfusion. Two patients died.
Conclusion
Mortality is very high in patients with the hemorrhagic form of CCHF. Disease prevention is necessary by strengthening vector control, avoiding contact and consumption of organic products from diseased animals, and vaccinating animals in areas where the disease is endemic. Furthermore, it is essential to establish management procedures for patients infected with CCHF virus.
In persons bitten by a stray dog, prompt administration of post‐exposure rabies vaccination, anti‐rabies immunoglobulin, and wound care can save lives. However, rabies is often fatal once the patient develops signs and symptoms. Here, we describe two fatal cases of rabies following a long delay after dog bites.
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