CRIMEAN CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER IN HAZARA DIVISION
Abstract
Background: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic in certain areas of Pakistanwith 14 outbreaks in addition to many sporadic cases so far. It is highly fatal zoonotic disease caused
by bite of infected tick. The objective of our study is to describe clinical features, treatment and
outcome of CCHF positive cases during its outbreak in Hazara division, with the intention to bring
focus to this fatal emerging disease. Methods: This study was conducted in Medical A Unit of Ayub
Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad for a period of three months. All patients presenting with fever and
platelet count less than 50,000/mm3 were included in the study. Apart from baseline investigations
their blood samples were sent for the detection of CCHF virus. All patients were given supportive
treatment including fresh frozen plasma and were started on oral Ribavirin. All patients were isolated
and barrier personal precautions were observed by health care givers Results: Eighty-eight patients
with fever and thrombocytopenia were included. Among these, 8 were found to be positive for
CCHF. Supportive treatment with oral Ribavirin was given to all patients. One patient with CCHF
died. One left against advice and six patients recovered completely. Conclusions: All patients
presenting with acute fever and thrombocytopenia should be suspected and evaluated for CCHF.
Oral Ribavirin is safe and effective in the treatment of CCHF.
Keywords: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever, Pakistan, Ribavirin
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