[The "Black Death" : Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever]

The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease that has been known for centuries. In the last years more frequent cases reflect the effects of climate change, globalization and the increasing encroachment of humans into previously unexploited areas. Humans acquire the infection by tick bites or through the slaughtering and processing of infected animals. The course of the disease can be severe and the average mortality reaches up to 30 %. It is transmissible from human to human and there is no causal treatment. Thus, CCHF meets the criteria for a highly contagious life-threatening disease. In the following current data on the virus, its vector, the distribution and transmission will be presented, as well as information on the diagnosis, the disease, the underlying pathophysiology and consequences in dealing with patients and deceased.