On September 29, 2020, the Palghar administration of Maharashtra has directed district level officials to be vigilant against the possible spread of Congo Fever in Palghar district.
Congo Fever key points:
- The Palghar district administration said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Congo Fever’ is a matter of concern for cattle breeders, meat sellers and animal husbandry officials and caution is necessary at this time as there is no specific and useful treatment.
- It is worth noting that many cases of CCHF have been found in some districts of Gujarat, so it is likely to spread in the border districts of Maharashtra.
- Palghar district of Maharashtra is close to Valsad district of Gujarat.
How is Congo fever transmitted? (Infection spread)
- This viral disease is transmitted from one animal to another by a special type of tick.
- This disease is transmitted to humans by coming in contact with the blood of infected animals or eating meat of infected animals.
- Transmission of the disease from human-to-human can occur as a result of close contact with infected individuals’ bleeding, organs, or other bodily fluids.
Risk of infection:
- If this disease is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, 30% of the patients die.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus causes an outbreak of severe viral hemorrhagic fever in the event of a mortality rate of 10 to 40% during this disease.
‘Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever’ or Congo Fever:
- ‘Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever- CCHF’, commonly known as ‘Congo Fever‘, is transmitted to humans through the Hyalomma Tick.
- CCHF is a widespread disease caused by the tick-borne virus of the Bunyaviridae family, namely Nairovirus. Hence, it is a viral disease.
What are the symptoms of Congo fever?
- Initial symptoms of CCHF may include fever, muscle pain, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin bleeding.
Spatial location of Congo Fever:
- This virus spreads suddenly at a particular time and place in African countries, Balkan countries, Middle East and Asia.
Congo Fever was first discovered:
- In 2013, many people were infected with the virus in Iran, Russia, Turkey and Uzbekistan, but the virus was first detected in the 1940s.