CRIMEAN CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER IN HAZARA DIVISION

Authors

  • Saqib Malik
  • Inayat Ullah Diju
  • Farhat Naz

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 causedby bite of infected tick. The objective of our study is to describe clinical features, treatment andoutcome of CCHF positive cases during its outbreak in Hazara division, with the intention to bringfocus to this fatal emerging disease. Methods: This study was conducted in Medical A Unit of AyubTeaching Hospital, Abbottabad for a period of three months. All patients presenting with fever andplatelet count less than 50,000/mm3 were included in the study. Apart from baseline investigationstheir blood samples were sent for the detection of CCHF virus. All patients were given supportivetreatment including fresh frozen plasma and were started on oral Ribavirin. All patients were isolatedand barrier personal precautions were observed by health care givers Results: Eighty-eight patientswith fever and thrombocytopenia were included. Among these, 8 were found to be positive forCCHF. Supportive treatment with oral Ribavirin was given to all patients. One patient with CCHFdied. One left against advice and six patients recovered completely. Conclusions: All patientspresenting 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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Published

2011-06-01

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