Mauritania: Case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever reported

Event

On Thursday, August 24, the Mauritania Ministry of Health confirmed the country's first case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in 2017. The case was reported in the Boutilimit Prefecture. Health officials are reportedly taking active measures to prevent a larger outbreak of the disease.

Context

In 2003, Mauritania experienced a large CCHF outbreak, with 38 confirmed cases and a fatality rate of 28.6 percent.

CCHF is a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus) of the Bunyaviridae family. It has a fatality rate of 10 to 40 percent and is usually transmitted to people from ticks and infected livestock animals. Human-to-human transmission is also possible, and primarily occurs via close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms include headache, high fever, back pain, joint pain, stomach pain, and vomiting. Red eyes, a flushed face, a red throat, and petechiae (red spots) on the palate are common. There is no vaccine available.

Advice

Individuals in Mauritania are advised to take measures against ticks, e.g. by wearing covering clothing and using insect repellent. Avoid close contact with livestock animals or with infected individuals.