CCHF Virus

• As Europe reels under a heatwave and wildfires, the rising temperatures have also raised fears of spread of viruses generally not found in colder climates. Alert has been sounded about the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), an infection spread by ticks that has a high fatality rate, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

About CCHF Virus

• Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease transmitted by ticks (Hyalomma ticks). It can also be contracted through contact with infected animal tissues.
• The CCHF is endemic to Africa, the Balkan countries, Middle East, and parts of Asia. 
• Congo fever was first discovered in Crimea in 1944and was later named as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
• Symptoms: It includes fever, muscle ache, headache, and bleeding.
• Vaccine: There is currently no vaccine for CCHF, and treatment involves managing symptoms and using antiviral drugs in some cases.
• CCHF outbreaks pose a public health threat, as the virus can lead to epidemics and has a high fatality rate.

Role of Climate Change

• Rising temperatures and disrupted climate patterns have created favourable conditions for viruses not typically found in colder climates. 
• Climate change contributes to the spread of diseases by expanding the habitat of disease-carrying insects, altering water habitats, and causing changes in animal migration patterns, increasing human contact with infected animals.

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