Tengrinews.kz — The first case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been recorded in the Atyrau region. This disease had never been documented in the region before. A Tengri Health correspondent investigated how the infection reached the west of the country and the level of risk it poses to local residents.
What is known about the patient
According to the press service of the Ministry of Health's National Center for Public Health, the Atyrau region has registered its first case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. The patient is currently being prepared for discharge.
The National Center noted that the patient was identified more than two weeks ago. During this time, none of their contacts have become infected. No new cases of the virus have been registered.
According to Ainagul Kuatbayeva, Director of the National Center for Public Health branch, this is a positive epidemiological sign. However, "contacts," as doctors refer to them—including medical professionals—remain under medical observation.
"On the instructions of the Ministry of Health, specialists were dispatched to the Atyrau region. Together with local colleagues, they conducted an epidemiological investigation and carried out necessary preventive and anti-epidemic measures," the center reported.
According to the center, the focus of the infection has now been localized.
Origins of the virus in the Atyrau region
Experts note that this case carries significant epidemiological importance for the Atyrau region. Previously, the region was not considered endemic for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Simply put, the infection had never been detected here before.
"According to historical data, laboratory-confirmed cases among regional residents have never been registered before. However, in assessing the situation, specialists took into account the region's geographical position, which borders Russia's Astrakhan region, where natural foci of CCHF exist," the National Center's press service noted.
Experts point out that the transborder factor is considered during the assessment of the situation, but in itself, it does not definitively pinpoint the source of infection..
According to experts, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a focal infection found in nature. This means the virus can circulate between animals and vectors even when there are no human cases.
The activity of such foci depends on natural and climatic conditions, the distribution of tick vectors, the movement of livestock and wild animals, and other environmental factors.
"Therefore, despite the absence of previously registered CCHF cases among the population, specialists believe it is necessary to systematically monitor the situation in all regions," the National Center told us.
How the person may have become infected
It is reported that specialists have not yet been able to determine if the victim was bitten by a tick—they may simply have not noticed—or if they were infected in some other way.
According to Ainagul Kuatbayeva, the virus is also transmitted through contact with the blood or other biological fluids of infected animals or humans.
Experts have conducted studies to establish the possible source of infection.
Can CCHF be transmitted from person to person?
The National Center noted that a single case does not mean the infection has begun to spread:
"Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is not transmitted through casual social contact, handshakes, or being in the same room as an infected person. Danger arises from direct contact with the blood or other biological fluids of the patient, especially if they come into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin".
The primary risk to humans is not associated with infected individuals, but rather with tick bites and potential contact with infected animals. Particular caution should be exercised by:
- livestock breeders,
- farmers,
- veterinarians,
- slaughterhouse workers,
- livestock owners.
Precautionary measures should also be followed when spending time outdoors.
How to recognize the disease and which symptoms to watch for
According to the National Center for Public Health, CCHF usually has an acute onset:
- patients may experience a sudden high fever,
- chills,
- severe weakness,
- headaches and muscle pain,
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
In severe cases, small skin hemorrhages may appear, and bleeding or other signs of hemorrhagic syndrome may develop.
"If these symptoms appear after a tick bite or potential contact with animals, you should seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor about what happened. This is crucial for diagnosis and to prevent the spread of the disease," noted Ainagul Kuatbaeva.
Next steps
Regional administrations (akimats) and relevant agencies have been advised to intensify the treatment of livestock and their enclosures against ticks.
The National Center for Public Health noted that currently, residents of the region do not need to observe any special restrictions.
As of August 26, a total of 36 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have been registered in Kazakhstan:
- Kyzylorda region — 11 cases;
- Turkistan region — 10;
- Shymkent — 8;
- Zhambyl region — 5;
- Atyrau region — 1;
- Almaty — 1.
The National Center also reminded Kazakhstanis of the precautions to be followed:
- use repellents and wear protective clothing when outdoors;
- inspect yourself and your clothes after walks, especially if you have been in the steppe or near animals;
- do not touch ticks with bare hands and ensure they are removed correctly;
- use gloves and protective clothing when working with animals;
- seek medical attention and report the circumstances after a tick bite or potential contact with an infected animal.
