Epidemiological trends of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever in Nineveh (literature review)

Abstract

Aim: to examine the patterns of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Nineveh Province in Iraq between the years 1997 and 2017. Materials and methods. There were 18 known cases where the disease was confirmed with laboratory tests and a large outbreak took place in 2010. Cases were spread out differently over different years, with particularly high numbers in 2012, 2013, 2016 to 2017 and 2018. Results. According to the findings, better surveillance and measures are needed to help stop future outbreaks. Even with its seasonality CCHF outbreaks, increased vector control programs, better diagnostic tools as well as improved public health surveillance are still vital towards managing its spread. Despite prevalently acting as an antiviral remedy, there is no certainty on the usefulness of ribavirin in achieving lowered levels of mortality, and there is no vaccination approved. Conclusion. The findings find an urgent need for the implementation of broad-based preventive measures, such as awareness campaigns on the training of healthcare workers and livestock handlers to minimize transmission risks. The future studies should be aimed at developing vaccines and perfecting rapid diagnostic methods to enhance the strategy of responding to the outbreaks.