First Hemorrhagic Fever death reported in Portugal
The disease was diagnosed in an 80-year-old man a month ago who later died at Bragança Hospital.
The first case of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Portugal was diagnosed in an elderly man who died at Bragança Hospital.
The disease, considered tropical, is contagious and can be transmitted by a tick bite.
The elderly man, over 80 and of Portuguese nationality, was hospitalised around a month ago, but the disease was only diagnosed recently, after his death.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is an infectious viral disease that is transmitted through the bite of a tick.
In a statement, the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) said that “there is no risk of an outbreak or of transmission from person to person” and that this was a “rare and sporadic” case.
It added that the virus that causes CCHF “has so far not been detected in ticks in the REVIVE entomological surveillance network’” so the risk to the population is low.
Nevertheless, the collection of ticks in that district will be stepped up for analysis.
The DGS also says that the health authorities have not identified any contacts of this elderly man with possible symptoms or additional cases of the disease.
The Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever:
Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe viral disease caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a member of the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly those of the Hyalomma genus, or through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals or humans.
Transmission:
Tick Bites: The most common mode of transmission is via bites from infected ticks.
Human-to-Human: CCHF can spread from one person to another through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, particularly in healthcare settings.
Animal-to-Human: People can also become infected through direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected livestock.
Symptoms:
The onset of symptoms is sudden and can include high fever, muscle aches, dizziness, neck pain, backache, headache, and sore eyes.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sore throat, followed by severe bruising, bleeding (especially from the nose, gums, and injection sites), and possibly organ failure.
Severity:
CCHF is a serious illness with a high fatality rate, ranging from 10% to 40%, depending on the outbreak and the quality of medical care available.
Geographical Distribution:
CCHF is found in various parts of the world, particularly in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The disease is most prevalent in areas where the Hyalomma tick species is common.
Treatment:
There is no specific antiviral treatment for CCHF. Supportive care, which includes managing symptoms and complications, is crucial. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been used with some success in treating CCHF, but its effectiveness is not conclusively proven.
Early detection and supportive treatment are critical in improving the chances of survival.
Prevention:
Avoiding tick bites by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and inspecting for ticks after outdoor activities in endemic areas is essential.
People working with livestock or in healthcare settings should take precautions to avoid contact with potentially infected animals or humans, including wearing gloves and other protective gear.
CCHF is considered a public health concern due to its high mortality rate, potential for outbreak, and the challenges in controlling the spread, especially in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure.