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Nosocomial outbreak of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
H R Naderi1, M R Sarvghad, A Bojdy
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Imam Reza General Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
Insights
A Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) outbreak in Iran affected six patients, including healthcare workers, highlighting transmission risks. Early diagnosis and ribavirin treatment are crucial for managing this viral hemorrhagic fever.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne viral disease.
- Nosocomial outbreaks pose significant risks in healthcare settings, particularly in endemic regions.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is critical for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a nosocomial outbreak of CCHF in Mashhad, Iran.
- To investigate the transmission routes and identify risk factors.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case analysis of a CCHF outbreak in Ghaem Hospital.
- Diagnostic confirmation using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
- Clinical management with ribavirin.
Main Results:
- Six patients were affected, including four healthcare workers, linked to an index case.
- Transmission occurred via percutaneous exposure and direct contact with contaminated materials.
- Four survivors confirmed virologically; two fatal cases lacked confirmation.
- Ribavirin was administered to patients.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare-associated transmission of CCHF is a significant concern.
- Prompt diagnosis and isolation are essential for controlling CCHF outbreaks.
- Ribavirin should be considered in treating probable CCHF cases in endemic areas.
Abstract:
We report a nosocomial outbreak of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) that affected six patients in June 2009 in Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, apparently related to one index case. The last four cases were healthcare workers. Infection was spread by percutaneous exposure to two cases, and probably by direct contact with blood, clothes and sheets, to three others. The diagnosis in the two fatal cases was not confirmed virologically. The diagnosis in four cases who survived was confirmed by specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The patients were treated with ribavirin. In endemic areas, every patient presenting with a febrile haemorrhagic syndrome should be considered to have a viral haemorrhagic fever until proven otherwise. Patients who meet the criteria for probable CCHF should be admitted to hospital and treated with ribavirin. Appropriate isolation precautions should be immediately initiated.
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