UPSC Articles
Congo Fever Alert in Maharashtra raised
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health
In news
- There might be a possible spread of the Congo fever in the Maharashtra districtof Palghar.
Important value additions
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)
- Cause: It is caused by a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family.
- Transmission: It is transmitted through bite of Hyalomma tick, an external parasite, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds etc.
- Human-to-human transmission: Close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons.
- Virus can lead to epidemics, with a high case fatality ratio (10-40%).
- CCHF is endemic in all of Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and in Asia.
- Symptoms: Fever, bodyache, dizziness, sore eyes and photophobia (sensitivity to light).
- Treatment: (1) The antiviral drug ribavirin has been used to treat CCHF infection with apparent benefit; (2) There are no vaccines widely available for human or animal use.
