What is Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)?
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral disease transmitted by ticks and can cause serious health problems. This disease poses a great threat especially to people involved in agriculture and animal husbandry. The virus that causes CCHF can be transmitted to humans through tick bites and the symptoms of the disease usually manifest themselves with high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of CCHF
The initial symptoms of CCHF are usually flu-like symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, more serious conditions may occur. These symptoms include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bleeding lesions on the skin
The diagnosis of the disease is usually blood tests and early diagnosis plays a critical role in the treatment process.
Ways of Transmission of CCHF
CCCA, mainly Ticks However, contact with the blood or body fluids of infected animals can also spread the disease. People involved in animal husbandry are especially at risk of contracting this disease.
Therefore, one should be careful against tick bites and take appropriate protective measures.
Vaccination Studies Against CCHF
Türkiye is taking important steps in developing a vaccine against CCHF. According to the statements of Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, Türkiye, CCHF-related vaccine It aims to be one of the leading countries in the world in this field. Vaccine studies started before the pandemic and have gained momentum today.
Prof. Dr. Tuğrul Erbaydar, drawing attention to the importance of these vaccine studies, emphasized that the development of an effective and reliable vaccine could be a great gain for Türkiye. The vaccine, especially Individuals in the risk group is stated to be of vital importance.
Tick Bite Protection Methods
Here are some precautions to take to protect yourself from tick bites:
- Choosing the right clothes: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants reduces the risk of skin bites from ticks.
- Repellent usage: To protect yourself from ticks and insects, insect repellent sprays suitable for skin and clothing should be used.
- Be careful in open areas: When walking in forested and bush areas, care should be taken and frequent body checks should be performed.
- Caution in contact with animals: Pets that may be infected may be carriers of ticks. It is important to check animals regularly.
The Role of the Ministry of Health in the Fight Against CCHF
The Ministry of Health plays an important role in the fight against CCHF. Vaccination activities and tick control programs are organized to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, public awareness activities are also part of this fight.
Prof. Dr. Erbaydar stated that unexpected epidemics may occur in the future and that Türkiye should be prepared for such situations. Therefore, it is of great importance for public health that the vaccines to be developed against CCHF are reliable and of scientific standards.
Conclusion
CCHF is a disease that can cause serious health problems, but it is possible to overcome this situation with the precautions that will be taken and the vaccines that will be developed. The work carried out by the Ministry of Health and raising public awareness have an important place in the fight against CCHF.
