Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC INFECTION, cilt.4, sa.4, ss.152-159, 2010 (ESCI)
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral infection more frequently described during recent years in our country, and has a high mortality rate. The virus is a member of the Nairovirus genus (family Bunyaviridae). CCHF was first described as a clinical entity in 1945 in the Soviet military forces and in 1956 the same cases were described in the Congo. In 1969, it was discovered that the same virus was responsible for both clinical entities and the disease was termed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. In our country, cases have been reported since 2002. The virus is isolated from approximately 30 tick genus, especially Hyalomma. Human beings become infected through tick bites, infected human and animal blood, body fluids and tissues. People lives in endemic areas, farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and health-care personnel have higher risk for VVHF. The clinical course has four distinct phases of incubation, prehemorrhagic, hemorrhagic and convalescent. Diagnosis is made by the history, laboratory findings and isolation of virus with microbiologic methods. In severe cases ribavirin can be used because of its antiviral effect. However, supportive therapy is the most essential part of treatment. Mortality rate is high and it has been discovered that the disease is more serious in adults. Persons who have tick bites and contact history are followed using laboratory techniques and clinical findings for 14 days. The most important measure for prevention is tick control studies.